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WORLD CAMPAING FOR SOMLAILAND’S
RECOGNITION
PRESS RELEASE
On May 18, 1991, the people of Somaliland declared the formation of
the independent 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 establish peace
and stability in their country. Unfortunately, instead of supporting
the achievements of the people of Somaliland, the UN and
International community has not yet recognized the Republic of
Somaliland, and continue to hold it hostage to the conflict between
the warring warlords in the neighboring Somalia.
The people of Somaliland urge all the UN’s member state to grant
international recognition to the Republic of Somaliland, and request
the UN to accept it as 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-Somaliland has a history of existing as a state. First, when it
was The British Somaliland Protectorate { 1880-1960]; and the second
time , during the brief between its independence on June 26, 1960
and its union with Somalia on July 1, 1960. During the latter
period, it was known as The Somaliland State.
2-The Union between Somaliland and Somalia in 1960 was unfair and
lacked proper legal foundion.
3-During the ill-fated union (1960-1991), the Mogadishu-based
government of Mohamed Siyad Barre engaged in torture, aerial
bombardment, and artillery shelling of Somaliland’s civilian
population, which resulted in the death over 80, 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- Somaliland meets the international requirements for recognizing
new state. It is a de facto state which controls a definite
territory, and has internationally recognizable border ( 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 25 years.
The people of Somaliland call on the UN, Its member states, and
international organizations, to assist rebuilding the schools,
hospitals and housing that were destroyed by the Mogadishu based
former military regime. The people of Somaliland draw the attention
of the UN to the discovery of skulls in mass-graves. These graves
date back to the era of the Mogadishu –based regime of Mohamed Siyad
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 trial 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
Somali government.
The people of Somaliland call on the Arab and African 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 its determination for and
ability to build sovereign and democratic state and contribute
towards peace, stability and development in the Horn of Africa. The
people of Somaliland are urging the Un and its members –state to
grant it international recognition and accept it as a full-fledged
member of the UN.
ANIIS ABDILLAHI ESSA ( DIRECTOR )
SOMALILAND ADVOCACY GROUP
WASHINGTON DC…USA
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