By Farah Ali Jama, Ottawa , Canada .

First and foremost, it is essential to state here that the progressive and intrepid people of Somaliland had substantially contributed to the expeditions and personal security of the early European explorers in Africa such as Stanley, Count Teleki, Sir Richard Burton, Captain Lugard, J.W. Gregory, and others. In addition, Somalilanders have enormously contributed and positively served in both the King’s African Rifles of the British East Africa and the East Africa Constabularies in an unsurpassed loyalty and fought gallantly in East Africa and in Far off places such as in Burma and other places.

During the World War II, Somaliland , then the British Protectorate of Somaliland and Italy were on the opposite sides of the World War II (1939 – 1945). Somalilanders and the Italian colony in Somalia were avowed enemies. To shorten a long history, in 1940, Somaliland Forces soundly defeated the Italians in Somalia and fully liberated the brutally colonized Somali people of this poor nation, which is currently in a state of collapse, lawlessness, and anarchy. The Allied Forces were also victorious over the enemy in other parts of the world, the war eventually ended, the illusive peace and world order was restored, and Somaliland and its brave and resourceful people have since then, moved on and harbor no ill feelings against its former adversaries.

Nevertheless, more than half a century later since the end of the World War II in 1945, some countries such as Italy seem to be still bitter of the gallantry and sound victory of the Allied Forces “the good guys” over the total defeat of their fascist, racist, hate-mongering, divisive, and genocidal forces “the bad guys.” In addition, even though most of the nations who participated on the opposite sides of this long, bitter, costly, and catastrophic war have long moved on and even forged close ties and alliances such as NATO and have memberships in international organization such as the UN, EU, AU, Arab League, and others for the sake of restoring sanity and World Order and in the interest of Peace and Security for all peoples and nations, Italy seems to dwell in the past and is to this day quietly crying over its defeat and the damage this war has caused to its historical civilization, aspirations, past glories, pride, wealth, power, and international influences.

Since the end of WW II, Italy was preoccupied on a covert strategy to restore its past standing in the world particularly in Europe and in Africa . That is why it continues to adamantly assert itself on all issues at the EU and staunchly supported the US policies in the Middle East particularly its substantial contribution in regards to funds, material and troops to the “Allies of the Willing” in the ongoing war in Iraq, and in the manner it extends its unqualified support to the criminal and savage “Beast-Man” War Lords of the anarchic Somalia at the expense of the noble cause, independence, peace, democracy, and sovereignty of Somaliland.

Whatever the case, this small shoe-shaped country that seems to be obsessed with a 19th century strategies and policies in this 21st century world is desperately searching to resurrect its ugly fascism and brutal colonialism of the past, and is working tirelessly in the shadows to restore its undesired and evil values in the Horn of Africa region particularly in Somalia in order that it may be noticed by the international community, taken seriously, and to be considered as still a world power to be reckoned with, which it is not.

In fact, Italy’s counter productive contribution and behavior during UNOSOM I (April 1992 – March 1993) as well as the American led “Operation Restore Hope,” a massive humanitarian effort to feed the starving millions and restore peace and order in the anarchic Somalia proved to be one of the stumbling blocks of the success of these noble operations, a manifestation of the existence of a medieval strategy to resurrect itself at the expense of the catastrophic sufferings of an entire population and their collapsed state. Apparently, the message which Italy was, at the period, covertly and overtly sending to the international community particularly to the Americans and UNOSOM I, which was certainly was not well received was that since it was the colonial master of Somalia it is appropriate for it to safeguard its interests therefore it is incumbent on all those concerned to grant it significant role on all facets of issues and developments concerning this poor African country.

On the other hand, Italy, which is known to openly and undiplomatically defend the unity of Somalia as well as a staunch advocate for the preservation of the long dead ill-advised, unconditional, nightmarish, and illegitimate 30-year union between Somaliland (former British Protectorate of Somaliland) and Somalia (former Italian Somalia) at all EU premises is utterly uncivilized, unhelpful, and somewhat criminal. However, the Somali people know that the racist Italians have no love for their suffering brethren in Somalia since it supports certain armed factions against others, after all, its indifference and envy laden actions towards the independent Republic of Somaliland are clearly in the open for all to see, and nothing more than its hollow quest for grandeur, selfishness, and improper self promotion scheme with intent of garnering undeserved attention and respect from the international community at the expense of the poor people of this region.

It is indeed disgraceful for the Western World particularly the EU for one of its members to unabatedly behave in such a shameful, cheap, meaningless, and callous manner in this highly competitive and closely knit global village of the 21st Century that will neither make it a power nor yield for it recognition or respect from others in this manner or help solve the current predicament of Somaliland and Somalia. And most Somalilanders deplore the unjust actions of Italy and squarely blame the problems that arise from it on the continued silence and indifference of the European Union.

Therefore, it is time that Italy wakes up and smells the coffee, and understands that by attempting to destabilize or   derail the indomitable cause, independence, peace   and security, and sovereignty of Somaliland will neither bring her prestige nor the lost Roman Empire . It is therefore advisable that it should end meddling in the affairs of the Horn of Africa region particularly in Somaliland , Somalia , Ethiopia , and Eritrea all of whom strongly reject its unhealthy colonial influences and return of fascism.

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