Somaliland & Djibouti: Indeed Brothers
Geographically, Djibouti is located at North-West of Somaliland. The
famous city of Zayla at Sarar region of Somaliland serves as major
trade link between the two countries; the countries exchange
millions of dollars in trade every year. both Djibouti and
Somaliland share common major businessmen.
The people of both the countries share language, religion, culture
and are kinsmen in addition to history of living in peace and
harmony. Both Somali tribes in Djibouti are also citizens of
Somaliland and vice versa.
In 2003, Former Minister of Tourism in Somaliland was Nephew of
Minister of Interior Affairs in Djibouti. This illustrates the
deep-rooted traditional relation between Somaliland and Djibouti.
President of Djibouti Ismail Omer Gelle praised Somaliland democracy
progress, peace and security development during Eid Prayer. The
audience welcomed the president´s statements on Somaliland, which
showed the wide and increasing support for Somaliland independence
between Djibouti people. Also, Somaliland government supported
Djibouti against Eritrean illegal intrusion in Djibouti territory,
by sending thousands of livestock as support.
At each summer, you can see large number of Djibouti citizens moving
around the major cities in Somaliland like Boorame, Gabiley and
Hargiesa. The people of Djibouti come to Somaliland to escape from
the blazing summer heat of Djibouti. In Somaliland, they feel like
home, and even majority of them own houses and relatives in
Somaliland. Somalilanders call Djibouti citizens ´Yaa Khii´ which
identifies the person is from Djibouti. These are deeply-rooted
connections between two countries.
Before the independence of Djibouti on 1977, the Somalilanders
played vital role in the campaign of liberation Djibouti from
France, and even French Forces deported large number of Djibouti
citizens with Somaliland roots back to Republic of Somaliland.
Majority of deportees were active in the struggle against the
colonizer. The citizens of both Djibouti and Somaliland have very
respected roles in the struggle against the colonizing forces in the
region. Both people won their independence without bloodshed and
signed agreements which led the colonizers to leave.
The First Lady of Djibouti is one of those citizens with Somaliland
roots, in addition to other important cabinet members and MPs. The
people of both sides, Djibouti and Somaliland, share common culture,
language, tradition and religion.
However, in East Africa, where diplomatic connections and unwritten
traditional codes are especially strong, Somaliland democracy is
facing a significant obstacle from African Union. But the
hardworking Somaliland diplomacy will soon overcome the obstacles,
and lead the country towards independence.
The recent visit of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin to
Djibouti strengthened the commercial and political ties between the
two countries. The two Border Guard Forces of Somaliland and
Djibouti coordinate on border security. Djibouti authority is very
much satisfied the peaceful border with Somaliland.
No illegal smuggle, human trafficking and armed violence cross into
Djibouti territory from Somaliland. This is very excellent point, in
which the Djibouti authority appreciates always. Today, Ethiopia and
Kenya are suffering of the illegal arms entering in their countries
from lawless Somalia. So Djibouti should be lucky to have democratic
and peaceful Somaliland.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
Email:
az.almutairi@yahoo.com
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