Foreign Relations Commission Sool,Sanaag.Cayn region Of Somali
Mr. WarAde with Juba's Rural people with a seeking of recognition
The one clan-based secessionists, calling themselves Somaliland, have been fishing for recognition for the last 20 years since their unilateral declaration of separation from Somalia in May 1991. Casting their net far and wide, no effort was spared and no means excluded to achieve their ends. Foreign lobbyists, mercenaries and others averse to Somalia’s unity have been engaged to market the enclave as an “oasis of peace, democracy and stability” deserving recognition in contrast to “dysfunctional southern Somalia” mired in endless turmoil.
Much of the secessionists’ outreach remains focused, though not exclusively, on Sub-Sahara African countries, aware of Africa’s dodgy political probity and the relative ease to make a breakthrough by courting corrupt Africa leaders in return for generous cash. Great Britain, and some neighbouring countries, were the first to be targeted, the first as the former colonial power and the others for their avowed fear of Somali irredentism and its adverse impact on their own territorial integrity. All these secessionist efforts have come to no avail and the international community’s support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity have remained unshakeable.
What has deterred the international community from recognising Somaliland is the realisation that the consequential contagion on the rest of Africa, in particular neighbouring countries, greatly outweigh any immediate benefits that specific countries or leaders could reap from Somalia’s precipitated demise. In this regard, no single country has up to now conferred recognition on the enclave which the international community consider as part and parcel of Somalia.
Failing, despite their relentless efforts, to gain recognition from member States of the United Nations, African Union, and the League of Arab States, the secessionists have been looking around for a newly born country that could easily be swayed and won over, giving them the breakthrough that could hopefully open the way for other countries to follow. South Sudan, due to gain its independence as a separate country from Sudan, perfectly fitted this bill as a soul sister that is deemed to share similar history as rebels who seceded from their mother country as Somaliland did from Somalia.
A wave of intoxicating jubilation is now sweeping over the enclave and among its diaspora abroad. If they are to be believed, their dividends from their political and financial investment in South Sudan leaders are to be realised. A letter purported to be from the incoming president of South Sudan, dated April 4th, and inviting Somaliland’s “president” to the independence celebrations, has been widely publicized in the secessionists’ media. The incoming South Sudan president states in this purported letter to Siilaanyo that “the people of South Sudan shall remain ever indebted to Your Excellency, and to the people and government of Somaliland for their tireless efforts that led to the festivities of this day”. What makes this invitation more welcome to the secessionists is that it is seen as a prelude to an imminent recognition of Somaliland.
Admittedly, this invitation to Siilaanyo is bad news for Somalia and undoubtedly good news for Somaliland’s hitherto despairing supporters who had been told over 20 years that recognition was just round the corner but never to materialise like a mirage. South Sudan leader’s decision to extend this invitation to Siilaanyo over the heads of Somalia’s leaders is indicative of their low standing among nations just as among their own people.
Under the circumstances, asking Sheikh Shariff Ahmed not attend the celebrations is like denying drugs to an addict. The president manifestly craves any opportunity to go abroad and get away from his warn-torn capital and his haunted Villa Somalia. The ego trip he draws from the pomp and pageantry at foreign airports and formal conferences all shows on his face as he beams with delight on the stage even if he can not communicate with his foreign hosts.
For once, Sheikh Shariff should forgo his personal happiness and put national interest first. He should therefore tell the South Sudan leaders that, unless they withdraw their invitation to Siilaanyo and any member of his breakaway government, the president and his government will not attend the independence celebrations. Not only that, but he should advise fellow members of both the AU and Arab League to boycott the celebrations. This is the least Sheikh Shariff owes to his post and to the Somali people. Will he listen, or will he as usual ignore the concerns of his people and indulge in his personal delights ? We will know soon.
Foreign Relations Commission
SSC Regions of Somalia
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