Three important events took place within the last month show Somaliland’s steady progress. Approaching them in chronological order, the first one is the foreign minister’s updating of the Security Council. Why is this an important step for Somaliland? Because: (a) it gives Somaliland direct access to the Security Council whereby Somaliland can provide information and speak for itself without third parties speaking for it; (b) since this is the second time Somaliland addresses the Security Council, it seems not to be a one-time thing but a tradition has been established of Somaliland addressing the security council on relevant issues; (c) Addressing the Security Council being a privilege that is usually extended to recognized states, the opportunity to address the security council raises Somaliland’s diplomatic profile.
The second event is Somaliland delegation’s meeting with the Kenyan Prime minister Raila Odinga. Two things are noteworthy about the meeting. The context in which it came which is the delivery of Somaliland aid to the famine stricken Somalis in Kenya, and the Kenyan prime minister’s call for the international recognition of Somaliland. Yes, it is true that the prime minister had articulated this same position in the past, but it is also worth mentioning that when he said this in the past, he was a member of the opposition but now he is the prime minister – a huge difference.
The third important event that took place recently was Somaliland’s President Ahmed Silanyo’s visit to the eastern regions. Again, one could say there is no big deal in a president visiting parts of his country. True, but when one takes into account the context in which the visit took place, which is Somaliland’s consolidation of its progress in the east and bringing into the fold the areas that are still beyond its writ, then the visit takes larger significance
All in all, these three events are further indication of Somaliland’s steady progress. Yes, progress is slow, but it is progress.
















 

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