By Ahmed Kheyre, London, UK

Tomorrow, the people of Somaliland both at home and abroad will be celebrating the 47th anniversary of independence from the United Kingdom. Somaliland’s independence from a colonial power is nearly 50 years, almost half a century. However, most Somalilanders know that the country true independence is only 16 years old.

Perhaps, it would seem appropriate that Somalilanders should take the time to reflect on their achievements over the last 47 years. Somaliland is a thriving democracy in a region not known for its plutocratic credentials. The people of Somaliland have taken the bull by the horns, and are successfully overcoming, political, economic and social conditions that affect a nascent democracy.

It is   wonderful to contemplate that the people of Somaliland have achieved so much with so little. Despite of all the acronyms given to Somaliland, " Africa's best kept secret", " the little nation that could", and so forth, and without the mercy of Allahu Subxaana wa tacaal, and the efforts of the people of Somaliland, irrespective of economic, social or clan status, none it would be possible.

It is said that the Nobel peace prize is given to those who strife to achieve and keep peace, but it in my opinion the people of Somaliland deserve consideration. This is no exaggeration. Let me present the argument,

These are people who come through a bloody civil, their people massacred, their homes ruined, their land filled with mines, water poisoned, yet they sat down under an acacia tree and talked to each other. Yes, there were disagreements, difficulties and a few skirmishes, but they were resolved through dialogue, discussion and consensus. The people of Somaliland have overcome, oppression, division, deprivation, and terrorism, and still they stand tall and proud. Is there someone who deserves a peace prize more?

But,   the people of Somaliland must not rest on their laurels, but march on and keep going forward. The people of Somaliland must ensure that in 2010, on the 50th anniversary of independence from United Kingdom, that Somaliland will have once again attained its rightful place among the nations of the world.

Long live Somaliland and Long live the people of Somaliland,