If Ghana Dares To Recognize Somaliland, Will Southern Politician Scream?

By Mohamed Yassin, Hargeisa, Somaliland

It is evident that Ghana and Somaliland have been enjoying good diplomatic relations for the last three years. As Somalilander, I’ve seen Ghana as “big sister” and potential candidate willing to be the first country in the black continent to grant a full recognition to Somaliland. The president of Ghana, John Agyekum Kuffour is the current chairman of the African Union, and as that country celebrates the 50th anniversary of its nationhood. There is a likely that Ghana will be the first African country to give Somaliland the birth certificate.

In history, Ghana is viewed as a beacon, inspired many continent’s liberation movements such as Africa’s oldest organization, the African National Congress (ANC). Ghana got it’s independence from the British colonial under the leadership of the great Dr. Kwame Nkrumah in 1957, and at moment it’s celebrating its 50th birth day, even president of Somaliland is taking part the Ghana’s golden jubilee.

Back to the point, as Somalilanders, we have been looking for international recognition to our independence for the last 16 years from the international community in general and particularly African countries, and now it’s the best opportunity to be granted what we deserve.

While all African union countries are looking favorable eyes on Somaliland, there is possibility that Ghana which holds the current chairman of African union it to use its weapon of recognition. As Somaliland enjoys peace, the rest of Somalia goes into anarchy and lawlessness. I know southern politicians who never attempt to put their house in order will oppose Somaliland’s independence. They used to protest and scream whenever the issue of Somaliland is raised on the AU meetings agenda as child whose mother refused to play with his counterparts!!. But do they know that the Somaliland’s case was discussed behind closed doors, in order not disturb and discourage them to rebuild their failed country?!!

One may ask the mental status ness of these power hungry southern politicians, which their country get many names in the international forums as failed state, non-viable state, warlord ruled country, country that doesn’t exist, and now foreign ruled country.

As matter of fact, the right time has come to Somalilanders to be recognized as independent state by Ghana, or the other two heavyweight countries, South Africa and Nigeria.

As Somalilanders, we remained an oasis of peace and stability where our people abide the rule of law and these we’ve been achieved without foreign intervention, international financial assistant, but home-grown process of national reconciliation and nation building, and this prompted to be described our country as “Africa best kept secret, and little country that could”.

Finally as Dr. Nkrumah said “forward ever, backward never! And I can conclude “forward with Somaliland’s independence and stability, backward never for re-union with Somalia”.

[mohamedsaadiq@hotmail.com]

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