Somaliland's Foreign Policy, Understanding The Process Of Multilateral Diplomacy
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By Abdulkadir Idan
Somaliland marches on to its eventual predestined future in which God has chosen for it. The current political atmosphere is tense within the Horn of African region. Somaliland has remained outside the helm of this chaos. Today it is clear not only to the world but to large sections of Somali society that Somalia is only a country which exists on paper and doesn't actually exist as a nation. This is due in part to entities such as the TFG which is slowly disintegrating and its new tactic of genocide and extermination of large section of Somali people which it claims to represent however all that it represents is a narrow minded, suicidal clan infested group of deranged lunatics. Although we have been making gradual success in our pursuit for full recognition, we have forgotten the workings of multilateral institutions. That is why I am suggesting to the leaders of the Republic of Somaliland to realize the following. Firstly it must be said that the whole world has indirectly recognized Somaliland all that is left is the stamp of approval. So how do we receive that stamp of approval?
Firstly it is unlikely to come from the European Union states for the time being because individual member states have forfeited their individual bilateral sovereignties to the EU decision making process that is why they support Somaliland only in terms of finance and behind the scene diplomacy. However the world has said to Somaliland get recognition from Africa and then you will get it from the world. That is why Somaliland's administration has been wooing certain African countries only as of now. The Only institutions within Africa were there is a collective multilateral institution is the African union so Somaliland has been working hard within the AU. Recently a visit to Rwanda by the Foreign Minister has led to greater support. However what is required is more. The difference between Africa and Europe is, Africa takes a bit longer and they usually require financial incentives in order to get the ball rolling.
Their are three elements which I believe will lead to great success in the future, one to build closer ties between the Somaliland parliament and parliaments across Africa not only the region but from across Africa, this is to debate the issue of Somaliland within individual countries parliament, secondly to build relationships within cabinet members of various African state be it small or large to provide them with financial incentives be it closer ties, future trade or even under the table incentives. Thirdly the art of lobbying within the African Union itself. The Fourth unsaid element is the waiting game and patience. The Arab world is likely to abstain from any future developments on Somaliland within the AU or even the UN. Summits work within the framework of Executive, Agenda and policy making. We must win over more support of Foreign ministers within collective African States and ask them to support the Somaliland case which is still pending at the AU and add it within the Agenda. The AU special representative for Somaliland should also be made part of that process. However overall I believe Somaliland has found the perfect combination of achieving what it wants it's a matter of timing and a matter of expanding the influence of the infant, reborn nation. However Ethiopia should also take a lead in this process, but hasn't done so bringing into question the overall benefit of ties with Ethiopia. Ethiopia should understand that failure to assist Somaliland in its diplomatic struggle could lead to Somaliland abandoning Ethiopia after the overall conclusion has been achieved and that is not in its interest. The world of today may not necessarily be the world of tomorrow. We depend on each other now, but only God can foresee the future, Somaliland will not require Ethiopia in the long run, it is Ethiopia which will require Somaliland. That is why it should be made clear to Ethiopia we are friends and will forever hopefully continue to be friends, but you must assist us in the pursuit of our interest as we assist you in your pursuits for a better economy and living standard for your people.
To the Minister of Foreign Affairs, great job you found the right tactics keep going, however long it take (we have nothing to fear) , inshallah we will get their.
Abdulkadir Idan
London , England
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