Before we go any further…this is NOT about the country where the Blackhawk went down and Hollywood made a movie…..that was Somalia.

On another note…my readers know that I am championing the independence of Western Sahara from Morocco and the recognition of the state of Palestine…so I am not a stranger to a people’s desire for independence and/or recognition…..and this where the country of Somaliland comes into the conversation.

I know this area a bit for back in the day I was stationed in Ethiopia the area now is known as Eritrea…..so I am familiar with this region……

But first a bit about the country Somaliland…….

A breakaway, semi-desert territory on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991.

The move followed a secessionist struggle during which Siad Barre’s forces pursued rebel guerrillas in the territory. Tens of thousands of people were killed and towns were flattened.

Though not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency.

The former British protectorate has also escaped much of the chaos and violence that plague Somalia.

The full country profile can be read here……

Source: Somaliland profile – BBC News

With that out of the way…..after 25 years of autonomy this country has been looking for official recognition……

“Even if they don’t recognise us, our independence is by virtue of our existence and by virtue of our liberty,” said Yussef Ali, who had taken his four young sons to join the crowds that lined Independence Avenue to watch the May 18 independence parade under the harsh sun.

On May 18, 1991, Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia. Twenty-five years on, it still has not received legal recognition from the international community. 

“Even if they don’t recognise us, our independence is by virtue of our existence and by virtue of our liberty,” said Yussef Ali, who had taken his four young sons to join the crowds that lined Independence Avenue to watch the May 18 independence parade under the harsh sun.

Around 500,000 Somalilanders were expected to fill the streets of the capital, Hargeisa, for the big day. But despite the festivities and the resolve of its people, Somaliland is straining after a quarter of a century of non-statehood. Its economy is fragile, making this apparent against the odds success story vulnerable.

“It’s absolutely unfair,” said Saad Ali Shire, the minister of foreign affairs and international cooperation, after a conference the preceding day titled, The Republic of Somaliland: The Case for Recognition.

“We can’t get international credit or foreign investment to build the country and create jobs as we are not recognised.”

Source: Somaliland: 25 years as an unrecognised state – Al Jazeera English

The world needs to give this country what it needs….recognition.

The chances are that this could very well slide into the category of Somalia without the world’s help….personally, we already have enough “hot spots” in the world we cannot afford too many more…..

Time to do the right thing!