Written by Mohamoud Abdi Daar
October 4, 2008
In a conference he has participated “The Future of Democracy in Zimbabwe- European Assistance under African Leadership” held at the EU Parliament on December 4th, under the auspices of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe ( ALDE ), Mohamoud Abdi Daar, made the following points on the situation in Somaliland .
After congratulating the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats for Europe (ALDE) in organizing this conference in which highly distinguished delegates are participating, I would like to join other speakers in expressing support and solidarity with the people of Zimbabwe in their struggle for human rights and justice.
Respect of fundamental human rights and freedoms are indispensable for the political, economic and social development of any society. And efforts to promote and support such democratic rights are commendable and praiseworthy.
Participatory democracy plays an important role in nation-building in Somaliland and especially since 1991, after she separated from Somalia. This enabled her to make remarkable achievements and to re- establish peace and stability in this region, in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland has successfully established democratic institutions, based on the rule of law. Hundreds of thousands of refugees and displaced persons were repatriated. Towns, roads, schools and hospitals, destroyed by the former dictatorial regime, were re-built by the hardworking people of Somaliland, on self-reliant basis. To date, primary school enrollment is more than 90%. Health service has tremendously improved following return of Somaliland medical doctors from abroad. Safe and piped water is also available to almost 50 % of the urban population, ( Mark Bradbury, On Becoming Somaliland, 1997 ).
In Somaliland, economic growth is mainly based on the private sector which contributes by and large to employment and to the raising of the standard of living in the country. More efforts are also being put in place to strengthen this important sector, as well as to encourage foreign investment and accelerate livestock and fishery exports. With regard to its transition to full- fledged democracy, Somaliland is making a great deal of progress. Voter-registration is now under way, with the cooperation of the European Union. The second direct presidential election is scheduled to take place at the end of March 2009.
Such success and achievements put Somaliland in an envious position. These are main reasons why she was subjected to a massive and brutal suicidal attacks on October 29, 2008 in which more than 25 people were killed and more than 31 were injured. In their futile and wicked efforts, the terrorists targeted the Presidential Palace, the Ethiopian trade center and the UNDP office. The resolute people of Somaliland expressed anger and condemned those unprovoked and cowardly acts of evil aggression and hatred.. The government and people expressed their strong determination to defend their freedom and hard-won independence against criminal terrorist organizations, failed states and enemies of freedom and human progress.
Somalilanders and their government express their appreciation to all governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations for their solidarity and support in this difficult hour. Furthermore, they request urgent, concrete moral and material assistance from the international community to meet the development and security needs of the country.
Somaliland’s strong faith in international cooperation and solidarity impel her to meet its international obligations, as a mature and responsible state. For these reasons Somaliland and its hardworking people have great confidence that the international community would reconsider the status of the country and accord her diplomatic recognition at this juncture, more than ever before, since she fulfils all indispensable requirements and conditions for statehood as stipulated in international law.
Submitted by Mohamoud Abdi Daar
Somaliland Representative in Brussels
 

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