By Liban Obsiye.

In a meeting this week in Bristol with the UK Parliamentary -Under Secretary of State for International development, Mr. Stephen O’Brien, it was made clear by the Minister that Britain’s interest in Somalia was clear. Britain as a nation was concerned about terrorism, piracy and the evident humanitarian crisis. Britain he stated was not going to get involved in the debate on Somaliland independence as this was a matter between the Somali people. Despite many earlier suggestions of Britain’s ulterior motives (oil, jealousy of Turkish actions on the ground etc) Mr. O’Brien argued that the Coalition government of which he is a member sees security as the key to stability, trade and development in Somalia. Without it it is impossible to achieve anything else he passionately argued.

What was clear from Mr. O’Brien was that Somaliland and its future was not the subject of discussion and debate at the conference on Thursday 23^rdFebruary in London. However, many “Somalilanders”, those who claim to be from the self declared independent State of Somaliland, appear to still think that the independence issue is a key theme of the conference. As such they are angry that Somaliland’s President Mr. Sillanyo has accepted the invitation to attend. Why they ask, if Somaliland is independent of Somalia does he need to engage with them and their personal issues at all on any level?

What these most ardent of Somaliland supporters and nationals (as they see themselves) must learn is the art of diplomacy. The dark art of warm empty smiles, strong handshakes, compromises usually brought about by the need to stand shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the world when it comes to key global issues even though you may not agree with them. It may all be false affection and concern, but this is the game of diplomacy.

Yes, the world has seen the peace that Somaliland enjoys and the government it has freely elected. However, if Somaliland were to be granted recognition would it not have attended the Somali conference as a sovereign nation anyway? I am sure its leaders would have felt angry if it was left out seeing as all of the other neighboring nations were invited. Even if Somalilander’s disagree with their government’s attendance they must view this as diplomatic practice for the future.

By simply attending the Somaliland government has not compromised its stance on independence as the British government were only interested in common issues that tie them to Somalia such as security (especially with the young disaffected Somali youth in the UK) and piracy which is harming international trade. More importantly, Somaliland might be seen by those in attendance at the conference, as an example for Somalia which can only strengthen its global image which will be a  key political determinant in the future if the agreements from and hopes of this conference do not materialize.

The global Somaliland community response to the conference has been extreme. The London protests on Wednesday outside Parliament, although quite large in number, did not determine the outcome of Somaliland’s future because it was not concerned with this.  Nor had it had any impact on the talks because once again, the British government did not deviate from its own interests to champion that of Somaliland because it sees it as a Somali matter to be dealt with by Somalis. This is clearly evidenced in the Conference Communiqué which encourages the international community to support potential dialogue between the Transitional Federal Government and that whatever replaces it in the future and Somaliland.  What is more damaging is that this protest suggests that the Somaliland Diaspora do not trust its government to act in their best interest and by turning up in large numbers they wanted to pressurize them into complying with their aspirations for independence.

There is no question about it. The Somaliland administration has made the right decision. By simply having the maturity and courage to attend the conference on Somalia they have shown that they deserve international engagement and want the best for their fellow brothers in difficulty. They have come to speak for themselves and not to be spoken for.

Critics of Somaliland point to the lack of human development despite the peace and free elections and these are legitimate and obvious observations to make. Ardent, loud Somalilander’s often living in the comfort of the Developed world; focus the light more brightly on these shortcomings which make the diplomatic hill more difficult to climb for the government they supposedly support. People have the right to Freedom of Association and Assembly as well as Expression but they must be used purposefully otherwise they are ineffective as drivers of change and reform. What was the purpose of the London protest? What will it achieve? Very little other than to remind their delegates they do not trust them and that whenever they attend a meeting Somalilanders do not favor, they will throw all of their toys out of the pram like children.

If people want independence they must have the maturity and patience to engage with the rest of the world through their elected leaders. It does not guarantee that they will always get what they want and see people they like. By not attending Somaliland would have made a grave mistake as it would have isolated itself from its current allies and from the multi nation governance structure that exists and is required for the Horn of Africa to develop and progress. This is a rare case where going against the public wishes has paid political dividend for the Kulmiye administration. It was certainly worth the political risk.

libanbakaa@hotmail.com

Homeee | Contact ussss | Links | Archives | Search