Somaliland is an african success story

Prior to colonization, Somaliland was a British protectorate for 76 years and gets its independence in June 1960. As soon as Somali Landers got their independence from British government, they sacrificed their independence for the conception of greater Somalia. By: Mj. Farhan


Prior to colonization, Somaliland was a British protectorate for 76 years and gets its independence in June 1960. As soon as Somali Landers got their independence from British government, they sacrificed their independence for the conception of greater Somalia. Which was to unify all Somali territory in the horn of Africa (i.e. former British Somaliland, French Somaliland, Italian Somaliland, North frontier district in Kenya and Ogaden Somali region in ethopia)? How ever that concept was failed do to the political circumstances that existed in the sixties. More over, a constitutional and legal act of unity never happened between Somaliland and Somalia.


With this verbal and illegal unification Somaliland people suffered a lot of misfortunes and in equality in every aspect of life. More over the Siyad Barr’s regime committed an act of genocide in Somaliland people. All most all big towns and more than 5000 villages were destroyed. Over one million people were displaced , more than 800,000 were made refugees in east Ethiopian camps, were hunger, cold and child labor was the order of the day. And also more than 300,000 have been killed, and more have been maimed or injured. The migs piloted by South Africans mercenaries killed the people and animals in rural and urban areas.


We were frightened to walk down our own streets for fear of being murdered, robbery and rape. We have seen pictures of our educated people slaughtered, our fathers having been beaten up, and our sisters having been raped by the faqash.


At that time Somaliland was swimming in pots of choes years of anarchy. Sound of bullets, bombs and artilleries were common to our ears in those dark days. All the social sectaries let alone educational system were dead and functionless. The pens and books, peace and brotherhood, education and civilization had been replaced by killing of innocent civilians and taking their own property intentionally. Somaliland people brought back their independence from Somalia in May 1991 after 10 years of hard struggle against one of the most powerful military force in Africa. The day of freedom, 18may 1991 was the day in which new sun of hope shined for those who looked after ages and ages. And all people began their war thinking brains.


The new born government had been calling children back to path of schooling; more over economic failures and scarcity of intellectuals were other massive opponent to our motherland. Somaliland’s education system was in a state of despair. All levels of formal education die away during Somaliland’s war for independence and two subsequent civil wars during the early and mid 1990’s. Each conflict killed large numbers of school administrators and teachers, destroyed school and learning materials. And disrupted the education of hundreds of thousands of children in every region in Somaliland.


A very little number of children went to school, sheltering under the shadow of trees and collapsed bare houses. The young had no books and used to sit on old tin cans.


Somaliland Today


Today, Somaliland dramatically improving to be oasis of peace and tranquility in horn of Africa and moved to legalize multi- party system in the country. The multiple political parties become legal, and three political parties are legally recognizing and known as nation parties.


Somaliland has done amazingly well in managing the past elections. Peaceful, free and fair presidential elections will be held in 2009 to convince the international community of Somaliland’s bona fides as an independent state. The citizens of this peaceful country either inside or outside hunted high and low to prove their country’s development as an evitable matter.




Today, education flames are burning in the country and shall never be extinguished. More than 40 percent of Somaliland’s primary school age children go to school every day, while the majority of Somaliland’s secondary and professional technical schools works better. While the University of Hargeisa, Amoud University, International Horn University, Golis University and Burao University are conducting classes, each is capable of enrolling more number of secondary school graduates. Somaliland is full of young educators who are ready to replace their old educators and their society prepares to become the real leaders of today and tomorrow.


Bearing in mind, media also takes an important role in the progress and community awareness of Somaliland today. Websites, Journals, magazines and televisions transmit News, Opinions, Warnings, Advertisement and Congratulations. Their role will be rest in the minds of those who ready to take the responsibility of this young nation.


To conclude, we have to remember the past and we have to develop what we have done, “Somaliland’s independence is irrevocable and its people will fight for their rights and freedom what ever it costs”


Our motto is “Look to the future, tomorrow is a another day”


“Somaliland my country Somaliland my people
From the shimmering of Berbera, and the across the Golis range.


Live is full of hope and goes with lots of endurance and determination.


In the azure sky over Hargeisa lie clouds of hope.


Of course we have people that strive to improve our lives.


The springs that flood our soils, makes our land productive.


Our rich wildlife reserve, can earn a lot in foreign exchange.


The red sea port of Berbera will be the regional hub for the horn of Africa.


All that is needed how is to tap these resources and build our young nation.


That is how I love, study and work in my sweet home”.

 

Written by: Farhan Abdi Suleiman (oday)
Social worker and student at University of Hargeisa.
Email: oday1999@yahoo.com
Tell: 252-2-4401132