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Foreign Minister of Somaliland addresses the Foreign Affairs
Committee of the European Parliament
Brussels, 21 March 2012 – The Foreign Minister of the Republic of
Somaliland, Dr Mohamed A. Omar, today had a meeting with the Foreign
Affairs Committee of the European Parliament.
In his statement to the Committee, Dr Omar drew attention to the
contrasting fortunes of Somaliland and Somalia since the former
declared independence in 1991. He spoke of “the emergence of a
peaceful and democratic Somaliland through a painstaking process of
reconciliation at the local level. At the same time, governance
collapsed in Somalia, leading directly to the problems confronting
the Horn of Africa today, namely terrorism, piracy, and hunger.”
Dr Omar declared that: “Somaliland has recently re-engaged with the
international community, in order to play its part in solving the
ongoing challenges in neighbouring Somalia. Last month's London
Conference represented an important milestone in Somaliland’s
diplomacy.”
The Foreign Minister continued that: “the international community’s
focus on an inflexible and unrealistic notion of Somalia’s so-called
territorial unity endangers the very stability that we are all
looking for. Focusing energy on the re-creation of a centralized
state through a top-down approach ignores the realities on the
ground, which are dictated by the decentralized nature of Somali
politics.”
Dr Omar added: “We offer a compelling example of peaceful and
democratic nation-building through a bottom-up approach, drawing on
tried and tested African methods designed to defuse disputes between
neighbouring communities.” Dr Omar continued: “We believe that a
similar approach is needed in Somalia too, and we have offered to
share our experience with our brothers and sisters in Somalia.”
Foreign Minister Omar made it clear that: “Somaliland would be in an
even stronger position to contribute to a stable and peaceful
Somalia if Somaliland is politically recognised internationally.”
Aware that EU member states are significantly affected by Somali
piracy, the foreign minister noted: “We are fully engaged with the
international community in the fight against terrorism and piracy.”
The Foreign Minister drew attention to the Communiqué of the London
Conference which supported “any dialogue that Somaliland and the TFG
or its replacement may agree to establish in order to clarify their
future relations.” This “reinforces Somaliland’s vision of a
dialogue between two separate entities, Somalia and Somaliland, that
can engage as equals, and marks a starting point for constructive
discussions about the future relations between Somaliland and
Somalia.”
Referring to the generous development and other assistance provided
by Europe, Dr Omar stated: “Let me once again express the gratitude
of the Government and people of Somaliland to the European Union and
its member states for their continued support for my country.”
Dr Omar concluded by saying that: “political recognition of
Somaliland’s independent statehood within the borders established by
the European powers in the 19th century would reinforce Somaliland’s
role as a beacon of peace and democracy in the Horn of Africa, and
allow us to emerge as an even more effective partner for the region,
for Europe, and the international community.”
Timacade News Desk
Brussels,Belgium
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