World Campaign for Somaliland’s Recognition
Press release on the eve of demonstration in front of UN building in New York
On May 17, 1991, the people of Somaliland declared their independence and established the Republic of Somaliland; and while the world’s focus was on Somalia at that time and since, the people of Somaliland managed, through a unique and democratic process, to bring peace and stability to their country. Unfortunately, instead of supporting the achievements of the people of Somaliland, the UN and the international community has not yet recognized the Republic of Somaliland, and continue to hold it hostage to the never-ending conflict between the warring warlords in the south.
The people of Somaliland sincerely urge all the UN’s member states to grant international recognition to the Republic of Somaliland, and request the UN to accept it as a full-fledged member of that body. Such a step by the UN and its members is long overdue, and would be the proper course of action for the following reasons:
1- The Republic of Somaliland has a history of existing as a distinct state. First, when it was the British Somaliland Protectorate (1887-1960); and the second time, during its brief existence as The State of Somaliland (June 26-30, 1960).
2- The amalgamation of Somaliland and Somalia in 1960 was illegal.
3- During that ill-fated amalgamation (1960-1991), the Mogadishu-based government of Mohammed Siad Barre engaged in torture, aerial bombardment, and artillery shelling of Somaliland’s civilian population, which resulted in the death of 50,000 people, and the destruction of Somaliland’s cities, towns, and villages. These were not isolated acts, but part of a systematic and well documented policy of genocide on the part of Somalia toward the people of Somaliland, and it went on for years.
4- The Republic of Somaliland meets the international requirements for recognizing new states. It is a de facto state which controls a definite territory, and has internationally recognizable borders (these borders coincide with those of the former British Protectorate of Somaliland). It also has an elected government, a free press, a parliament, and has engaged in international relations with other states for the last seven years.
In reference to the upcoming (Feb.15) conference in Baidoa, the people of Somaliland are not against a peaceful settlement of the conflict in the south, but would like to make it clear that the government of the Republic of Somaliland did not participate in the Cairo conference of December 1997, and will not be a party to the Baidoa meeting. Furthermore, the government of the Republic of Somaliland has neither signed nor endorsed the agreements resulting from the Cairo conference. Therefore, the Somaliland Republic is not legally bound by the decisions or agreements reached in the Cairo conference, or any decisions or agreements that might be reached in Baidoa.
The people of Somaliland draw the attention of the UN to the discovery of of over 650 skulls in mass graves in June 16, 1997. These graves date back to the era of the Mogadishu-based regime of Mohamed Siad Barre, and were confirmed by the UN and forensic pathologists from the independent Physicians for Human Rights. We request the UN, and its member countries, to take the necessary legal steps for the apprehension and prosecution of those who are responsible for these massacres. We also hereby inform the UN, its members, and international organizations, that the perpetrators of these atrocities are among those who are expected to take part in the Baidoa conference.
The people of Somaliland call on the UN, its member states, and international organizations, to assist them in de-mining their roads and rebuilding the schools, hospitals, and housing that were destroyed by the Mogadishu-based former military regime. The people of Somaliland call on the Egyptian government to respect the sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland, and to cease its hostile and unwarranted activities against it.
The Republic of Somaliland has proven for the last seven years that it is a force for democracy, peace, and stability in a troubled corner of the world. It has also acted in a constructive and responsible manner in its dealings with other states and international organizations. We urge the UN and its member-states, to grant it international recognition and accept it as a full-fledged member of the UN.
Somaliland Forum