Ali Gulied, San Jose, USA
Twelve years and some have passed since Somaliland withdrew from the Union. And as friends and foes alike say no one has recognized yet. The ill effects of two decades of neglect, a decade of under siege and bombardment and a decade of non-recognition have taken its toll. The fact that Somaliland authorities pose the question to every Dick and Harry that stops-by clearly reflects that desperation. Naturally, one would expect the actions of the government towards that quest would match the level of desperation and anxiety. But the government’s record for the recognition quest is perfunctory, unfocused and lacks a strategy. To make matters worse, the appointment of Dr. Dixood as a special envoy (recognition czar) might derail the quest rather than enhance it. This brief perspective would attempt to point-out, with minimum illustrations, that Somaliland’s foreign policy is mediocre, the prospects and ill effects of Dr. Dixood’s appointment and finally it would provide a brief suggestion of how to proceed on the recognition quest.
Somaliland has neglected the recognition quest. The message it wants to communicate to the World community is absent when and where it counts most. For example, at the most recent conference of the African heads of States (AU) held in Addis Ababa, Somaliland was absent. Conferences of that level where world leaders, other dignitaries and journalists congregate at the same time are rare and present a golden opportunity to meet as many as time allows. Political action groups, activists, environmentalists and many other interest groups such as associations and societies that want to advance their causes, beliefs and ideals view such conferences as a chance to educate, as chance to influence and/or at minimum as a chance to neutralize the critics. Somaliland should have similarly taken her cause to the streets, alleys, inside the Sheratons and the Hiltons, wherever it finds her target. The Transitional National Government (TNG), Abdulqaasim and company were present in full force and they have made some big scores. Scores made within days but might take years to undo. Many other occasions held in East Africa, West Africa, Southern Africa, the Americas have slipped without notice. It is troubling that Somaliland has, once again, missed a golden opportunity. One keeps saying, may be, next time. But, time isn’t on the side of Somaliland.
Besides, it is common knowledge that the issues that concern Somaliland and Somalia for that matter are formulized, debated and adopted for blanket application in some epicenters like Nairobi, Addis Ababa, Brussels and to a lesser extend Washington, New York and Egypt. The European Union is the largest donor to Somaliland and yet, Somaliland doesn’t have a representative in Belgium. Ethiopia is important to Somaliland economically and politically, yet the envoys Somaliland assigned to the country lack any political acumen and diplomatic experience. No wonder relations are deteriorating. New York and Cairo aren’t even factored into the equation. The only relatively shinning spots are Nairobi and Washington. In Washington, the highly qualified, articulate Washingtonian, Saa’d Sheikh Isman Nur is making the rounds but languishing without the Mighty Dollar - no budget; In Kenya Xusseen Cali Ducaleh (Cawil), a seasoned diplomat has been re-activated few months ago. Already, Cawil has made a difference but why did it take so long? If Somaliland continues to be absent where and when it counts most and if Somaliland continues to under-finance the recognition quest, the misery of non-recognition would prolong.
There is another development that might blot out the gains and the goodwill that Somaliland has earned so far towards the recognition quest. According to a press release from the office of the Presidency, President Rayaale appointed Dr. Omer Dixood as a special envoy to secure recognition for Somaliland from the International Community. It is fairly common practice to appoint a special envoy for the resolution of a nagging problem such as the reconciliation of the Somalia warring factions. However, the reason an envoy is selected over others is primarily for the in-depth knowledge, experience, power or talent that particular envoy has for the task he/she is expected to under-take.
But in this case, the wrong expert is appointed and for the wrong reasons. In light of the poverty and the anticipated prosperity and economic development, rightly or wrongly, associated with the recognition, it is expected of Somaliland to marshal the energy, the resources and the experts to achieve recognition within the shortest possible time. Undoubtedly, Dr. Dixood is an able person who has accomplished a lot with a handicap and for that he should be admired. But Dr. Dixood is neither a political scientist nor is he an expert in international law. Moreover, he is no Michael Mariano, the late beloved diplomat, and he has no background in public relations. Interestingly, the press release mentioned that Dr. Dixood has resided in Europe for about 20 years. If this meant to be the basis of his selection, he is the right person (no argument there); I couldn’t have come up with a better one myself either.
Aside from the obvious lack of credentials, Dr. Dixood’s response to a question posed by Jamhuuriya uncovered his naiveté on the task ahead. It went like this: "Dixood oo wargeyska Jamhuuriya weeydiiyay sida uu u arko in uga bixi karo hawshan loo igmaday, waxa uu sheegay in ay fududahay. Isaga oo hadal kiisi sii wata waxa uu sheegay hadii S/L sii waado nabadgelyad jirtaa maanta waxa aan hubaa in aggonsigu daaqda saaranyahay"
Let us say "aamiin" to Dr. Dixood’s prophecy. But Dr. Dixood’s prophecy is simplistic and no one is expecting that recognition would be handed over on a silver platter. At the out set, I must tell you that like Dr. Dixood, I have no credentials on this subject either but from what I understand diplomacy is complex; it requires training in geopolitics, it has protocols to follow and certain etiquette to obey. It is delicate and fragile and those who don’t walk and talk like one are ostracized.
Considering Dr. Dixood’s ill preparedness, I am afraid that this appointment would derail the prospects of recognition. Based on an interview Dr. Dixood gave to Jamhuuriya (London) on February 18, 2003, Dr. Dixood would lead 100 Somalilanders into the British Parliament on February 28 to present to the House of Parliament, in six hours time, Somaliland’s decision to withdraw from the union and to appeal recognition.
In explaining what would be the substance of his presentation, Dr. Dixood stated, "Waxaanu ku odhanayna maadaama Somaliland ka mid ahayd maxmiyadihii ay gumaysan jirtay Boqortooyada Ingriisku, isla markaana ay dad badan oo reer Somaliland ahi oo ka mid ah u dagaalamay Ingriiska dagaal-weynihii labaad ee Adunka ay ku dhinteen....Sida darted, haddii dawladda Ingriisku aanay na siinayn dadkii.ku dhintay mag-dhawgoodii in aanu xaq ugu leenahay inay noo soo dedejiso ictraafka dawladnimo" Dr. Dixood continued, "Waxa kale oo aanu u sheegaynaa inay Soamliland ahayd dalkii madaxbannaanidiisa ka qaatay ingriiska 1960kii, Boqorada Ingriiskuna ay u Saxeexday madaxbannanidiisa...Ingriiskuna uu ogyahay annaga oo ah dawlad madaxbannaan inaanu ku biirnay midowgii Somalia.."
Six hours is a lot of time. But the substance Dr. Dixood is planning to present is pathetic, litigious and insulting the intelligence of both the parliamentarians and that of Somalilanders. Lecturing at the British Parliament that Somaliland used to be a British Protectorate; that Her Majesty signed Somaliland’s independence; that United Kingdom affirms that the union of Somaliland and Somalia formed Somali Republic, so on and so forth is a waste of a golden opportunity but more importantly it reflects how ill-prepared and ill-equipped Dr. Dixood is to under-take the issue at hand. It, also, unequivocally depicts the caliber of those who assigned him for the recognition issue, the single most important issue Somaliland wants to achieve. Somaliland could do a lot better.
If it is true that Somaliland is given an opportunity to present her case to the British Parliament as Dr. Dixood is claiming, Somaliland should reconsider the timing in order to prepare the presentation. It appears that this is a rare opportunity that shouldn’t be tackled lightly. The likelihood that such an opportunity would present itself again is very slim and the chances that Dr. Dixood would mess it up are great. Assuming it is true, I would advise the Somaliland administration to request this opportunity be postponed for another six months or one year. In the meantime, Somaliland would hire experts in international law, public relations and marketing firms to prepare and prosecute the case of Somaliland in a professional, legalistic and comprehensive manner that matches the significance Somaliland attaches to this case. Researching, preparing, packaging and prosecuting the case of Somaliland would take at least six months, if not years. This service could cost Somaliland roughly between three hundred thousand United States Dollars to half-million. It seems too high on Somaliland coffers but if recognition was on auction, how much Somaliland would be willing to bid? At any rate, I hope that Dr. Dixood wouldn’t present the recognition case to the British Parliament. That would hurt and not help Somaliland.
But contrary to what Dr. Dixood has stated in Jamhuuriya interview, the opportunity given to Dr. Dixood isn’t that significant after all. It seems that Dr. Dixood has dramatized the event but the reality is closer to revelations reported elsewhere. Based on a report posted on HadhWanaag Website on February 17, 2003, Dr. Dixood is scheduled to meet with some parliamentarians, who represent constituencies with fair number of ethnically Somaliland electorate, to raise two issues: recognition and reparations for Somaliland soldiers who were killed the 2nd world war. This approach could explode like a minefield. The historical colonial relationship between Somaliland and the British is undeniable and how Somalilanders gallantly fought side by side with the British is inscribed in the annals of world records. As descendants whose ancestors helped the British Empire in time of need, it is appropriate for Somaliland to remind the British of Somaliland’s sacrifices and loyalty but it is inappropriate to alienate and raise the issue of reparations concurrently. Broaching a litigious almost century old world war reparations that was never raised for three decades by the Somali government is ill advised. Raising it at this juncture, while Somaliland is attempting to appeal to Her Majesty for another more pressing issue would only antagonize Her Majesty and strain the slowly warming-up relationship. Mentioning the reparations with the same breath as the recognition in the British Parliament would definitely give the wrong signal. And that may set Somaliland and the British on a collusion course. Somaliland has to be mindful of the magnitude of the lethal minefield that the inexperienced and unsteady hands of Dr. Dixood could trigger.
Making an appointment with a British parliamentarian is also a fairly common practice, which doesn’t require any skill other than being a member of his/her constituency. For the same token elected officials make an effort to meet their constituency and listen their concerns anytime anywhere. It is fine if that is what Dr. Dixood is doing. But it is sad if that is all Dr. Dixood could deliver as special envoy. Where is the beef? The individual effort, albeit laudable, is less effective than the community and organizational effort, which the Somaliland communities and organizations all over the globe are under-taking. The historical relationship that Dr. Dixood wants to confront with the British Parliamentarians isn’t something he uncovered. The evidence is historic and plenty but the issue is how to package and present it to the right audience at the right time. Some who, among others, have succeeded in this endeavor and hence indirectly advanced the cause without fanfare are the Cardiff Somaliland Community, the Peace Institute, the Institute of Practical Research and Training, the Somaliland Forum and Edna Adan Ismail.
On February 13, 2003, the Somaliland Community in Cardiff has hosted a conference in which the under-secretary of development, Ms. Sally Keeble was the guest speaker. Few months earlier, the same community invited the Somaliland Deputy Speaker of the House, Mr. Abdulqadir Haji Ismail (Jirde). The Cardiff Community as a whole and in particular Cabdi Caagli Axmed Daad, historian and author, has displayed an array of documents and other memorable mementos depicting the long relationship between the British and the people of Somaliland at a conference held in honor of Mr. Cabdulqaadir Jirde and his counter part at the Wales parliament. The collaborative effort from the Community and the manner the Deputy Speaker effectively represented Somaliland with grace has resonated with the people of Somaliland both at home and at abroad. Another event that comes to mind is the one the Director of the Institute of Practical Research and Training (IPRT), Dr. Ahmed Hussein Essa has hosted few months ago on Capital Hill, where prominent diplomats and congressional members were the guest speakers. The work of Dr. Husseen Bulhan and the Peace Institute, particularly the Tokyo Workshop has elevated Somaliland to a higher level. Not to mention the indefatigable effort of Somaliland Forum and who could forget how Edna Adan (the jewel of Somaliland) had charmed South Africa and how the Press noted her eloquence and elegance. The goodwill these efforts generate stay in the minds of the people for a long time. But that isn’t enough. This is a war and should be fought like one, with bunkers; command and control center manned by the best and brightest Generals, with enough resources and ammunition to last till Mandeeq is recognized. Anything less is a mediocre.
The fear is Dr. Dixood’s approach would erode the goodwill and set the clock back, many years back. Indeed, this appointment is unorthodox. The piece of paper identifying the bearer as special envoy resembles more of a pipe fitter’s testimonial than a diplomat’s credential. The fact that the infrastructure such as an office, the budget and the like that is necessary to facilitate, coordinate and launch this mission were not addressed, not even in fine print, tells me that it is just another campaign ploy like the oil explorations. Additionally, the methodology employed in this assignment is outside the diplomatic channels. Government to government communication is channeled via the respective foreign offices. The fact that Somaliland isn’t recognized doesn’t alter this channel. It is granted that Dr. Dixood’s official assignment entails visiting a lot of foreign offices and meeting a lot of dignitaries. Pulling a crumpled testimonial-like piece of paper out of his pocket to identify himself, whenever he meets dignitaries, is belittling and demeaning the important task he is appointed to resolve. Also, the appointment of Dr. Dixood didn’t disclose the financial aspect of this task. Is Dr. Dixood volunteering his time? Is he paying out-of pocket-expenses from his resources? Or is the government footing the bill? The public wants to know.
There is another problem with this appointment; it has raised more questions than answers. Somaliland has already official representatives that deal with the recognition issue and other mutual issues of interest in most of the developed countries. For example, there is Osman Ahmed Hassan, a seasoned diplomat, representing Somaliland in England where Dr. Dixood is also currently residing. Would Mr. Hassan continue to deal with the British foreign office or would he hand over the correspondence and the records to Dixood? Does this mean Mr. Hassan is released from his duty by default? Would Dixood address other issues of mutual interest like the repatriation of refugees, one wonders? Additionally, this appointment doesn’t identify the countries Dixood would be liaisoning. On the face of it, it appears that Dr.Dixood is an ambassador at large, was this intentional? No matter how unqualified Dr. Dixood is, if this appointment has stated that Dr. Dixood would represent the interest of Somaliland in such a country, it would have been more palatable.
Obviously, this isn’t the proper way to handle this important issue. The purpose of this appointment is a part of a campaigning tactic to appeal to certain constituency and has nothing to do with the larger national issue (recognition), which it purports to address. As stated above, this appointment was for the wrong reasons. How insincere. Missteps like this could erode the amount of hard-won goodwill that Somaliland is trying to build onto. But again all isn’t lost. The testimonial-like piece of paper might serve Dixood for another purpose; it is a nice piece of souvenir. He could frame it and hang it on the wall of his office or residence.
A better way to approach the recognition quest is to appoint a permanent focal group. In order to achieve timely results, the quest for recognition should be well planned, proactive, focused, systematic and pursued relentlessly at the following fronts: a) Somaliland b) Somalia and the front-line states c) The African Union and the Security Council and d) The worldwide community at large. The reasons of focusing the above fronts and the how-to are beyond the scope of this perspective. Anyway, the road map to the realization of that quest should be reviewed, revised and assessed regularly to reflect the accomplishments and to incorporate changes and new directives. The input should be solicited from seasoned diplomats, politicians and other community leaders but the stewardship and the execution of that plan should be trusted in the hands of respected diplomats and technocrats such as Abdirahiim Cabby Farrax, Omar Carte Qaalib, Xuseen Cali Ducaleh (Cawil), Cusman Axmed Xassan, Edna Adan Ismail and others of the same caliber in concert with the President and the Foreign Office. Rather than reactively jerking the knee whenever Somaliland is badly battered and assaulted by the critics, rather than employing the services of an amateur, Somaliland should put a systematic program in place to monitor, deter and minimize the effects of incoming storms and direct the operations like a war. Such a panel should be empowered with a generous budget, given terms of reference and burdened with a timetable. Furthermore, the panel should package the historical claim to sovereignty, document sufficiently the repression and the ethnic cleansing exacted on the people of Somaliland. This could be done with the help of lawyers that specialize in international law, public relations and marketing firms. Such experts could capitalize on the peace, stability, the democracy and the rule of law Somaliland have adopted and successfully sustained in the midst of turbulence. Anything less would be hodgepodge.
In case, Dr. Dixood insists to go ahead with his substandard presentation, cited below is the text of Somaliland Independence proclamation: On June 23, 1960, The Queen by a Royal Proclamation terminating Her Majesty’s protection over Somaliland Protectorate proclaimed and declared that "as from the beginning of the appointed day (June 26, 1960), our protection over the territories known as the Somaliland Protectorate shall cease, and all territories and agreements in force immediately before the appointed day between Us or our government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and any of the tribes of the said territories, all our obligations existing immediately before that day towards the said territories and all functions, powers, rights, authority or jurisdiction exercisable by Us immediately before that day in or in relation to the said territories by treaty, grant, usage, sufferance or otherwise, shall lapse" Evoking the exact words might be more powerful than stating Her Majesty signed our independence; just another substandard thought!
By the way, in case you aren’t aware of, there are other members of the diaspora sporting with testimonial-like pieces of paper bearing not the signature of a minister but that of the President. One of those, states that Mr. so and so (name with-held), the bearer of this letter is appointed to raise funds in North America for the election in the name of Somaliland; I wonder if a copy of that letter has been provided to the election commission. Is this another scheme to raise funds for a political party? Keep guessing.
Frankly, Ambassador David Shinn has said it and Dr. Qaanim Al-Najaar of the United Nations, Human Rights has said it; recognition wouldn’t be handed over by silver platter. Somaliland should try harder. Neither a panel nor an individual effort could guarantee anything but a well-planned systematic approach manned by seasoned diplomats is more promising than using the services of an amateur. One last thing, Dr. Dixood is undoubtedly an expert, but in a different field. Legend has it that Dixood knows more about churches, Sunday sermons, and ecumenical than diplomacy. If legend has it right, he would have served Somaliland better at the Vatican. Thanks to "dhanxeer" who reminded us that this appointment sounds like the blind leading the blind. One more misstep and the minefield wouldn’t only dampen but paralyze the prospects of recognition to a bedridden condition. Act now.
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