The Forgotten Country

Analysis

By Steve Atkinson

It is intriguing that the United Kingdom, amongst others, has been so quick to recognize Kosovan independence, despite the objections of two members of the United Nations Security Council.

Whilst there is no doubt a good case for Kosovan independence, there was an assumption that UK foreign policy adhered to the principle that to recognize “breakaway” states was to open a pandoras box- it would give encouragement to myriad independence factions, and destabilize the international order.

Somaliland has been independent and unrecognized since 1991. It has held free elections verified by the international community (something Pakistan and Kenya failed to do), has two houses of parliament, a written constitution that is zealously protected, a free press and a passionate, nationalistic population.

Its crime is to demand independence from Somalia. The same Somalia that forced the United States to retreat, as they found the country ungovernable; the same Somalia that caused the US to pay the Ethiopian government to send troops to destroy the Islamic Courts, seen by the West as dangerous fanatics but in fact actually bringing some stability. The alleged bombers of the US embassies in Kenya and Tanzania are supposed to be in Somalia. And yet the United Kingdom, and the European Union, wring their hands, promise support, offer a nod and a wink to Somaliland, and encourage the notion that Somalia and Somaliland should be one. The argument put forward is that the question of recognition is a decision for Africans. So, for Somaliland to be recognized disparate aspirations and interests in Ethiopia, Eritrea, Kenya, Djibouti and Somalia, must all come together and agree a course of action, and then reconcile the Arab League to the decision. To achieve this one of the poorest states needs to mount one of the most sophisticated diplomatic efforts the world has seen.

Even if there is a lack of interest in the fate of Somaliland, UK self interest should dictate a positive move towards recognition .The Horn of Africa remains strategically important, and there is significant instability in the area to cause alarm in London and Washington. Somalia remains anarchic, Ethiopia/Eritrea tensions remain high, Ethiopian forces remain heavily engaged in Somalia and Kenya is in the grip of civil unrest.

Amidst all of this Somaliland prepares for Presidential elections in August – the arguments are passionate, but they are peaceful. However, without movement and encouragement towards recognition there is a danger that both the government and the population will turn elsewhere for help. There is a perception that Somaliland society will become radicalized through its isolation – there is no reward for stability, and few options. Support, both financial and moral, if offered from the more radical elements in the Gulf, might be welcomed or at least accepted as a way forward.

Somaliland has survived with little international help – it has survived a vicious civil war, independence, ostracism from the international community, instability on its borders, poverty and drought. And yet it moves forward. How much more could Somaliland achieve if admitted to the international community? With the likelihood of substantial oil reserves, a long coastline on the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden, and a stable society, Somaliland could become an African success story. What a shame it is being held back by states that would benefit from its recognition.

The terms of Kosovan recognition make it more of a EU protectorate than an independent state, and Somalilanders are too proud to accept a similar deal, but their best hope appears to be a willingness by the United States to take a lead; it is a shame that, given the UK’s historic links in the region, British foreign policy has been found wanting.

Steve Atkinson is a UK freelance journalist and writes on European and East African political affairs.