Written by Ahmed Khayre

In a interview to a Somaliland website, Somalilandpress.com, Somaliland Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar touched on several subjects pertaining to Somaliland's foreign affairs endeavours and his own ability to steer the course of the nation's foreign policy.

Addressing the issue of international de-jure recognition of Somaliland, Dr. Omar stated “With recognition still some way off, I accept that Britain is wary of taking the initiative lest it be accused of neo-colonialism and that there is little likelihood of the British taking a courageous initiative in this regard". Perhaps the good Dr. should put more emphasis on the serious national interests facing the nation instead of using these channels to embark on personal vendettas and allegations, as he did so against some of Somaliland's independent media.

Dr. Omar continued by stating “It is essential that we become much more professional at putting our message across.” It is time that the minister comprehends that this is precisely his duties as Foreign Minister, although it is quite admirable that he has candidly acknowledged his own short-comings.

Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, the Somaliland Foreign Minister also stated in his exclusive interview with Somalilandpress.com, that the issue of international de-jure is lagging, because " Whilst I am pleased with the positive role the Diaspora have played in lobbying for recognition, I am disappointed at how few of the Somaliland Diaspora in Britain had bothered to write to their Members of Parliament or to the British Government". It would appear that the minister is placing his failure as an effective minister at the feet of the Somaliland diaspora, the very people who have contributed to make Somaliland what it is today. I would think words of encouragement to the diaspora would be more effective, than throwing them under the bus! Did the minister miss the gatherings in London, for example, of 2003/2004 and 2011. Not to mention the rest of the world. Extra-ordinary!

Warming to the theme of placing the blame of his failures and incompetence on others, Dr. Omar continued that there were "Two separate bi-lateral negotiations, one involving China and Somaliland, the other involving China and Ethiopia. Much solid work was achieved, but negotiations are complex and still on-going. It has been a steep learning curve negotiating with the Chinese and it has proved to be a challenge for all concerned". In other words, the minister is admitting that he is not up to the task, and any failure of these delicate and beneficial agreements is not his fault.

On the issue of the allegations of improper treatment of Somaliland's independent media, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar, the Somaliland Foreign Minister, made the claim that "We want to see responsible journalism. I feel any problems we have are due to a lack of real training, not malicious intent. That said, I have been a victim. My personal e-mail account was hacked, this is not the sort of activity we would want to encourage.” The minister appears to be referring to the Qarannews.com articles which came from sources within Somaliland, and the minister's subsequent bizarre request to a British diplomat in Addis Ababa, to have British intelligence investigate Qarannews.com, its staff and senior editor, Mohamed Jama for alleged links to terrorism!.

In the opinion of the author, it is now clear that our Foreign Minister, Dr. Mohamed Abdillahi Omar is not up to the job. This is clearly evident in his interview with Somaliland press.com. Unfortunately, this interview depicts a minister who has neither the diplomatic credentials nor the other essentials elements of circumspection and self-confidence needed for the position. It is my hope that the Somaliland President, Mr. Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud, "Sillanyo", will upon regaining his health, and returning to the country, put the minister out of his misery and give him another post, perhaps information minister or government spokesman.

Sadly, Dr, Mohamed Abdillahi Omar was an effective politician as a government opposition member, but he has been found lacking as a government minister. Unfortunately, this can be said of a lot of officials in President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud's "Sillanyo" government, with a few exceptions, to name but one, Dr. Sa'ad Ali Shire, the current minister of planning and national development.

Ahmed Kheyre

London

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