By Prof Abdikarim Ahmed Hersi

Member of the steering comity of Economic, Social, and Cultural Council of the African Union:       ECOSOCC-AU (The Advisory organ to the African leaders and the AU commissions)

The Republic of Somaliland has endured and surmounted great challenges since reclaiming its independence from the failed Union with Somalia in 1991. Embracing democracy and implementing it through elections were the last tests that it has successfully achieved. The subsequent peaceful power hand over between the outgoing President and the newly elected President cemented the notion that genuine democracy has deeply rooted in a country located in a region over shadowed by religious extremism, piracy and conflicts.

Having gone through that ordeal Somalilanders were expecting to hear what they longed for so long (recognition) from the international communities, spear headed by the democratic Godfathers of the western hemisphere. However, unfortunately it seems that their message is falling into deaf ears as the western nations are still avoiding considering the situation of Somaliland and only promising to give financial and moral support to this young blossoming democratic state of Somaliland. 

Somaliland is located in a strategic place in the horn and the red sea and is an indispensible partner the fight against terrorism and piracy. On the other hand, it has proved to maintain stability and progress without much support from the region and the rest of the world. Nevertheless, its people have tolerated enough the international denial and it seems that recognition is like a waiting for a boat, which never comes. The question worth to be answered is how long will this neglected budding democratic state will hold its shield and defend democratic ideology from the evil forces that hampered the rest of Somalia that they share an open border with.

 Let alone the well known Islamic jihadist in the region, the minor Piracy off the Somali Coast has been a threat to international shipping since the second phase of the Somali Civil War  and many international organizations, including the International Maritime Organization and the World Food Programme, have expressed concern over the rise in acts of piracy. Piracy has contributed to an increase in shipping costs and impeded the delivery of food aid shipments in the African Continent and skyrocketed commerce costs all over the world. Ninety percent of the World Food Program shipments and international trade arrive by sea and pass here in Babal Mandeb and they are under threat every day, and ships into this area now require a military escort.

The situation is so gloomy right now in the red sea even though no piracy activity is reported or exists in the Somaliland Coast. However, how will it be if the people lose hope and Somaliland cease existence? On top of that, one should know that Somaliland has the longest red sea coastal aria comparing the rest of Somali speaking states in the region, and has long-range chain of Golis Mountains that can be a hub for evil doers (piracy and jihadists). If the international community remains indifferent longer and Somaliland is swallowed by the chaos nearby which some scholars consider the hell on earth.

Therefore, it is the interest of the international community to consider the danger that might came if Somaliland fails to exist.

I think the existence of Somaliland, as an independent state is the benefit for the continent in particular and the world in general, and the best tool that international community can give to Somaliland against the war of anarchy (piracy, terrorism) is an immediate unconditional recognition as an independent state.  Otherwise, there will be a widespread chaos in the red sea and the region. Fire storm of religious terrorism and piracy will not only destroy the continent of Africa but also boost the international jihadist war and economic crises which has already damaged the peaceful co-existence of the two civilizations (Islam and Christian).

I think the exemplary democratic values Somaliland demonstrated during the Presidential elections and the responsible behavior its people are showing in managing their country peacefully having one objective in perspective which is developing their country and seeking for recognition merits the special attention and careful look of international community at Somaliland. When one look around, one can understand that the world we’ll living in is troubled and  infested with social and political unrest and Somaliland a small nation from the Horn of Africa elevated and lived up to the true principles of Democracy and by this sole act surely deserves to be congratulated worldwide and shown as an example and eventually granted its recognition with the view of maintaining or even nourishing the hope of those proud and courageous men who fought for liberty and justice so as they could live in peace and democracy. It is the international community obligation to support that small nation endeavoring to exist in the region but also whose men have the ability to play an important role in the international scene for the benefit of the whole world.

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