The Threat From The South

By Mohamed Yassin, Hargeisa, Somaliland

Since the TFG backed by Ethiopian forces ousted the union of Islamic courts back in December last year. There was a growing threat from Imbagathi government towards Somaliland’s sovereignty and its own people. Whenever the international media interview the TFG leaders, they claim Somalia territorial integrity as sacrosanct and thus Somaliland would never separate from the rest of Somalia.

It is the dream of southern warlords to turn their heads on Somaliland whenever they get little support from the international community. After Mogadishu fell into the Ethiopian and TFG forces, Mr. Ghedi, TFG prime minister disclosed his government intentions to unite Somaliland with Somalia, it seems integrating Punt land is not a big deal for him and president Yusuf since it is only autonomy that Punt land declared and only early this week Yusuf was making the same statement, which pronounced the arrogance of southern politicians. This is not surprising at all. We know that TFG started to vow to bring Somaliland to its southern brothers. It is urging the international community to protect the territorial integrity of the old Somali Republic.

But as Somalilanders, we should inform the whole world and also the oral diarrhea Southern Somali politicians spurt that the people of Somalia are our brothers, but we want to take charge of our country and would like to have our separate sovereignty and independence which we had fought for. We pray them to take care of their country and leave us alone. They should know that we will never accept interference into the internal political affairs of our country. Somaliland’s independence and sovereignty is non-negotiable, irreversible and permanent. The only way our people can survive is to stay independent and be in command of their destiny.

Therefore, we need all our political parties, the government, young people, the religious community, women’s groups, the political class, and the Diaspora to be more vigilant and speak in one voice. We must stand in a united front and defend our sovereignty, which we had fought for during the struggle for independence. But sometimes, I wonder why Somaliland politicians are always reluctant in keeping silent? Why do they not speak up and express their own views about Somaliland’s position? Or at least respond to the stubbornness and arrogance of the southern politicians, who want to determine the fate of others and can’t keep their mouths shut.

Finally, I hope 2007 will be another year of peace and progress in Somaliland,

God bless Somaliland.

[mohamedsaadiq@hotmail.com]

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