"We would favor our fellow Africans, of any color, because they have an emotional take in the continent"

By Geoff Hill

Harare, January 13, 2007 – Somaliland has become the latest country offering land to Zimbabwean farmers looking for a new start. Foreign minister, Abdillahi Duale told Farmers' Weekly that he was keen to discuss agri-investment with experienced farmers from anywhere in the world, "but I must say we would favor our fellow Africans, of any color, because they have an emotional stake in the continent." Somaliland has amazed observers over the past 15 years by establishing a democratic and tolerant society in the horn of Africa. The country achieved independence in 1960 as British Somaliland and, days later, merged with the former Italian Somaliland to form the ill-fated republic of Somalia. Within a few years, the English-speaking north sought to regain its independence, but the dictatorship of Siyad Barre in Mogadishu would not contemplate separation. A war of liberation ensued and Barre's troops committed genocide in the north and used Russian MiG jets to flatten the capital, Hargeisa. In 1989, Barre was overthrown and Somalia collapsed into civil war. Two years later, the former British Somaliland became only the second country in Africa to proclaim a unilateral declaration of independence.

Somaliland has embraced a moderate interpretation of Islam, and women hold senior positions in government, commerce and education. Early accounts written by district commissioners describe a territory rich in wildlife and mostly covered in forest. But years of neglect and deforestation have seen the loss of most large mammals and birds, though plans are now afoot to reintroduce the Somali ostrich from stock held in Kenya. "There are many projects waiting to be developed, to restock our wildlife, open up commercial farming and rebuild the forest," Duale said. "I know we are not one of the glamour destinations, but we do have a sound democracy and total commitment to a new age of commercial farming. I hope some farmers and conservationists will come and have a look at our little country." No other government recognizes Somaliland, but the country's passports are accepted around the world, and the African Union has signaled that recognition may not be far off. "We are a sovereign state with a great future," Duale said. "And our government and people would be honored to see new immigrants from southern Africa coming it to build our farm sector," he said.

Date published:Sun 7-Jan-2007

Source: Farmers Weekly magazine ( South Africa)