Leaders of the Somaliland UK communities accompanied by Rt. Hon Alun Michael, MP, and Ms. Kerry McCarthy, MP, outside the official residence of the BritishPrime Minister at Number 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday

London, February 24, 2007 (SL Times) – Seven hundred Somaliland-Welsh community from Cardiff, joined over three thousand UK Somalilanders in a demonstration outside the official residence of the British Minister at Number 10 Downing Street in London on Thursday to show their full support and unwavering backing for the Somaliland Republic to be free and sovereign Country among the UN Nations.

Somaliland was known as British Somaliland until 1960 when it gained Independence. It then joined with Somalia which led to decades of civil war until 1991 when Somaliland became independent again. Somaliland has since launched a process of democratization and development. It has internationally earned a list of names including “an oasis of democracy in desert of politically instability", "the African Nation that can", " Africa's best kept secret" but no international recognition.

The aim of Somaliland UK communities for holding this demonstration was to urge the UK government to show the world that it cares about democracy in Africa by taking the lead in recognizing Somaliland as an independent country. British Somalilanders from Sheffield, Cardiff, Bristol, Newport, Leicester, Manchester, Glasgow, Birmingham and London, gathered outside the Prime Minister's official residence at Whitehall, London, for the biggest gathering, ever, of British-Somalilanders in an attempt to bring to the British government's attention the success of Somaliland's democratization process and the urgent need for extending diplomatic recognition to Somaliland.

Leaders of the Somaliland UK communities accompanied by Rt. Hon Alun Michael, MP, and Ms. Kerry McCarthy, MP, having presented a written letter and a signed petition to British Government officials, urged the British Government to recognize Somaliland as an independent country so that it can formally engage with the international community as an equal partner in a wide range of relations including banking, trade, development aid, diplomacy, immigration which the Somaliland Government can not currently access.

Hussein Bisad, one of the tallest men in the world walk's tall & proud calling for the world to recognise Somaliland in Thursday's London demonstration

Rt. Hon. Alun Michael, speaking with Somaliland community and the media said: "The thousands of people who turned out in Whitehall today showed pride in the democracy, progress and reconstruction of their country. They showed what Somaliland has achieved within a short time of period without assistance from the international community.”

"Having spoken to the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Tony Blair, about Somaliland earlier in the week and in detail with Lord Triesman, the Minister for Africa, I am sure Somaliland will be treated with the respect its people have earned," Mr. Michael noted.

Among the Somalilanders present was Nimo Ali, 22, from Cardiff. She said: "I'm proud how Somaliland has done so well. I want to show my support for my country by being here for the demonstration." Miss Ali was chanting and singing with her friends. They sang: "What do we want? Recognition. When do we want it? Now."

Somalilanders alike old, veteran of WWII and young proudly telling the world you will listen to our call

Abdul Mohamed, 38, from Cardiff, said: "We feel much fulfilled after this peaceful demonstration. Our MP came out to support our community and we think this will help to get our country recognized internationally."

The relationship between Somaliland and UK has been growing stronger over the past few years following the official visit of Somaliland president to UK in 2005, and the subsequent visit of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the Somaliland Parliament last year.

Abdikarim Abdi Adan, Director of the Somali Community Centre in Cardiff/UK Somaliland Chamber of Commerce, was very pleased with the support from across the UK. He said: "I would like to thank the Prime Minister for receiving our petition. I also thank Rt. Hon. Alun Michael and Ms. Kerry McCarthy MP, as well as everyone who traveled for this historical event."

Another petition will be submitted to Number 10 on March 21. Organizers hope to have 10,000 people signed up before this date. Supporters can sign up at http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/somaliland.

By Mr. Abdikarim Abdi Adan

Source: Somaliland Times

London demonstration

London demonstration