Buildings may burn, Bridges may crumble
Bodies may be butchered and buried,
Yet, people carry on and babies are born everyday,
Businesses boom and properties are rebuilt,

By Ahmed Kheyre, London , UK

Sir,

I have often mentioned the mantra of shared goals, dialogue, discussion and consensus, when I write about Somaliland, on this occasion I would like throw another phrase into the mix, Is afgarad, or understanding.

The people of Somaliland have undoubtedly taking major strides in the last 16 years of sovereignty.  There have been peaceful elections, peaceful transitions of power, development on unprecedented level, a peaceful and stable environment which is the envy of most nations in Africa, but the most important achievement in those 16 years has been mutual understanding between the peoples.

This understanding goes beyond clan, economic or social strata. The two primary common values for Somalilanders are Islam and the nation.  Those two primary values represent justice, peace, freedom and democracy. And naturally, neither will be jettisoned come what may.

I want to take this opportunity which happily coincides with the 16th Anniversary of sovereignty, so say to Somalilanders and all other interested parties the following;

Buildings may burn, Bridges may crumble

Bodies may be butchered and buried,

Yet, people carry on and babies are born everyday,

Businesses boom and properties are rebuilt,

But without Islam and self-determination,

Better to be dead than alive

Somaliland  and its Afgarad is not subject to negotiation nor will it be ever put aside. 

Long live Somaliland, Long live the people of Somaliland.

 Sincerely,

Ahmed Kheyre, London , UK

Reer Miyi [ruraledcomm@yahoo.co.uk]