The Yemen Government Owes ‎Compensation And Apology To Somaliland

By Omar Haji Mohamoud

"And do not eat up your property among yourselves for vanities, nor use it as bait for the judges, with intent that ye may eat up wrongfully and knowingly a little of (other) people’s property." (Quran, 1:188)=

."Think not that Allah doth not heed the deeds of those who do wrong. He but giveth them respite against a Day when the eyes will fixedly state in horror. "(Quran, 14:42)=

The prevalence of peace, stability, democracy, freedom of speech, free market economy and human rights values is renowned in the nascent Republic of Somaliland in the eyes of the international community although no country is yet to recognize for over a decade now.

But, unfortunately, the legitimacy and sovereignty of Somaliland is non existent in the eyes of the Arab World. A deliberate and blind policy that reflects the true and painful predicament of their respective societies, and the alarming dilemma of political uncertainty.

It is not my intention to discuss or comment about the cons and pros of the political and socio-economic upheavals surrounding our neighborhoods in the Red Sea and specifically in the Gulf of Aden, but it is beyond belief to gulp down the inconsiderate recent statements of one of the leading high profile personalities of the government of Yemen.

Due to the lack of the necessary capacity for international business standard transactions and the absence of effective control mechanism, surveillance and enforcement of regulations it has resulted in widespread poaching and habitat destruction by foreign vessels, mainly from Yemen within the Somaliland limited waters, and it is obvious according to the recent government statements, the unlimited fortune they gained from the unlawful confiscation of the Somaliland marine resources. The issue is also supported by a recent UN report which estimated the illegal fishing from the Somali coasts to an annual proportion of around US$300 million.

Irrespective of the ambiguous relations and political isolation of Somaliland, both the Yemen government and society are well conversant with the historical and political background of Somaliland. Therefore, it is surprising that such a high level profile personality interprets the recent Coastal Guard operations against the illegal fishing of the Somaliland waters as PIRATES, and that these activities are hampering the tourism and fishing industry of Yemen.

It is to be noted that the nascent Republic of Somaliland is obligated to safeguard its legitimate resources and abides by the rule of law as a sovereign state. However, considering the centuries old historical ties and trade relationship of the two brotherly and neighboring societies it will not be the benefit of any body to deny the rights of each other and escalate intimidating allegations.

Having said that, and in view of the preceding factual scenario the Yemen government owes a compensation and an apology to the government and people of Somaliland.

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