While intense political disputes have created high level anxiety and concern about the future of the country, there is one area that shows Somaliland is not suffering from total paralysis. That area is foreign policy. Two events that took place this week highlight this: Foreign Minister, Abdillahi Muhammad Duale’s visit to Djibouti and the press conference given by Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Said Muhammad Nur. While in Djibouti, the foreign minister met with Djiboutian, French, Ethiopian and IGAD officials. Meeting with those officials is an important opportunity to convey to the world that despite its internal elections-related difficulties, Somaliland is still a stable, reliable, and functioning partner that can fulfill its commitments to the region. That was the foreign minister.
Now let us turn to the Minister of State. Although his message was directed more toward Somaliland citizens than a foreign audience, it was no less important. It sent a signal that the foreign ministry responds to criticism and is willing to enter into dialogue with citizens about the methods and objectives of Somaliland foreign policy. Of course, this sort of report about the activities and views of Somaliland’s foreign ministry should have come much earlier. Some may even say that it is part of the government’s attempt to appeal to voters as the presidential election draws near. Still, it is a welcome step. Now at least we have a general survey of foreign policy issues and a brief analysis from those in charge of foreign policy which can be an opening for a larger conversation, regardless of which party wins the election. After all, foreign policy is supposed to be bi-partisan or in our case tri-partisan. So, let the conversation begin.



 

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