Somaliland Forum Media Release Tuesday June 26, 2001 Ref.SF/EC-042-2001
Why recognize Somaliland?
Recognition of Somaliland will Promote Democracy and Respect for the Will of the People: Somaliland fulfils the criteria of statehood according to Article 1 of the 1933 Montevideo Convention on the Rights and Duties of State: Somaliland has a permanent population; a defined territory (the former British Somaliland) with clear international boundaries of which it has an effective control; a democratic government, and a capacity to enter into relations with other states. Somaliland fulfils the criteria for recognizing new states, according to the guidelines set out by the European Union (EU) in 1992, even though they only apply to European nations.
The existence of Somaliland does not contravene the inviolability of colonial frontiers in Africa, enshrined in the OAU Charter: Somaliland has reasserted its statehood within the frontiers of the State of Somaliland of 1960, as inherited from the colonial borders of British Somaliland. Additionally, Somalia and Somaliland were born out of different colonial entities. Somalia received its independence from Italy on July 1, 1960 while Somaliland received hers from Great Britain on June 26, 1960.
Sovereignty is an inalienable right of the people of Somaliland: Sovereignty is vested in the people and it is the collective will of the people that represents sovereignty. The Somaliland people have already spoken by approving the constitution, with a majority of 97% vote in a referendum held in the Republic of Somaliland on May 31st 2001. The constitution guarantees the sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland, the rights of its people and a democratic system of government. It is in the best interest of the world community, in general and, the Horn of Africa in particular that the will of the people of Somaliland be heard and respected. To do otherwise will threaten the fragile democracy in Somaliland and endanger the peace the people have worked so hard to achieve; it will also bring fresh turmoil to the already troubled Horn of Africa.
Somaliland, a model of peace and stability in the region: In just 10 years, the people of Somaliland have rebuilt their lives from scratch, after Siad Barre’s dictatorial regime had razed their country to the ground and had slaughtered thousands of people, while the world watched. Today, there are, in Somaliland, a functioning State, controlled by the executive branch of
government, a parliament of two houses, a constitution, an independent judiciary, and indeed a free press. There are two universities and many colleges in Somaliland, built entirely without outside help; the economy of Somaliland is thriving and the whole region of the Horn is reaping benefits from the rebirth of Somaliland, and its nascent economy.
After 30 years of subjugation, the people of Somaliland, through their civil society reclaim their independence: After 30 years of denial of their legitimate human and political rights, and finally the destruction of their country throughout 1980s, today, the people of Somaliland are harvesting the result of a decade long liberation war, in which they fought and won a war against Africa’s second biggest army to reclaim their independence.
Somaliland is not a new invention, nor is it “seceding from Somalia”: It was an internationally recognised political entity known as the British Protectorate of Somaliland, until it had gained its independence on June 1960 as the State of Somaliland, and then was amalgamated with Somalia. Somalilanders finally liberated their country from the Siad Barre regime of Somalia in 1991; then they collectively declared their independence from Somalia. To consolidate their gains and reinforce the rule of law and democracy in their country, they have now adopted their own constitution based on liberal democratic principles, and
participatory government with two parliamentary chambers (a representative chamber and a chamber of traditional elders). A president with executive powers heads the government of Somaliland and chooses his own Cabinet of ministers. As a result, the country is now the most peaceful country in the Horn of Africa, and one of the most peaceful in all of Africa; there is low
inflation, a growing economy and a balanced budget.
Somaliland’s international trade links are also enviable as its balanced current account indicates that, in spite of the destruction it had suffered under the brutal rule of Somalia’s Siad Barre, the country has made more progress in the last 10 years, as an independent state, than in the previous 30 years under Somalia. As for the future, Somaliland is here to stay and its sovereignty will be fiercely defended.
SOMALILAND FORUM
SLF Background: The Somaliland Forum (SLF) is an international
organization that brings together Somalilanders from all parts of the world
mainly, through the medium of the Internet. The primary objective of the
Forum is to work with the Somaliland communities around the world in order
to provide some lasting solutions to the needs of the Republic of
Somaliland and its people. For more information, Please visit forum’s web
site at: http://www.somalilandforum.com
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT THE FOLLOWING SPOKESPERSONS FOR THE FORUM:
North America: Farah Ahmed Hersi Toronto, Canada
Tel: (416) 630-3728 - E-mail: chair@somalilandforum.com
Europe: Dahir Abdi Jama - London, U.K.
Mobile (cell): 07960 173 184, Email: Dahir@dahir.freeserve.co.uk
Middle East - Mr. A.Ismail Kuwait, Kuwait City
Email:- Tel: 965 2630592