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by Gadiid Hassan
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The colonial masters have divided the African people into small territories with no regard to their social background or ethnicity. As result, the some tribes are being divided into different entity. For instance, Somalis were among the African tribes that have been divided into different entities. More specifically, Somalis are divided into five zones i.e. British Somaliland, Italian Somaliland, NFD of Kenya, Ogadenia of Ethiopia and French Somaliland.
During struggle for independence, there was a sense of pan-somalism in which its main ideology was to unite all the Somalis the colonial masters have divided into different entities. It was against this background that the British Somaliland has united with Italian Somaliland shortly after the independence. However, latter the ideology of Greater Somalia has failed due to strong opposition from international community particularly the African States.
Unfortunately, four years after the independence, the dissatisfaction of the British Somaliland with their Union with the Italian Somaliland has started. An attempt to overthrow the Aden’s regime has been tried but failed. This attempt was led by an individuals of whom majority of them were from the British Somaliland.
The dissatisfaction has started because of the disparity in terms of development between the two. In latter in 1970s the disparity has emerged with a clear demarcation. As result, the people of North were unhappy about it. This has led to formation of Somali National Movement (SNM). The movement was aiming removal of Barre’s regime from power and also fighting for Northerners’ rights. The Barre’s was charactererized with severe human right violation, corruption and nepotism, and economic recession.
In 1991, the Barre’s regime was defeated and totally removed from the British Somaliland by the Movement. On 18th May 1991, a conference was held in Burao in which re-independence of Somaliland were declared. However, some critics argue that Burao conference was hijacked by a few individuals of SNM who threatened to those who were against the declaration of re-independence.
Why not Recognition?
After 18 years, still Somaliland remains unrecognized. But have you asked your self why? The root cause of this is mainly related to economic and political factors. Generally, the following are the main reasons on why Somaliland has remained unrecognized.
First, the hasty union. The union between the Italian Somaliland and British Somaliland were done hurriedly. There was no clear guidelines on how power is to be shared between the two, and what can be done in case of any conflict between the two entities. There were no conditions attacked at all for unity government.
One advantage of Italian Somaliland officials over British Somaliland is that they were been prepared for self-governance for 6 years but British Somaliland counterparts did not got that opportunity, therefore a majority of British Somaliland delegates were not skilled for government system except few translators of British colonial masters. It was because of this that Northerners did not fight for an equal share in the government.
Second, liberation wars. The SNM never aimed at liberating the country with sole plan of re-independence. The target of SN M was to remove the Barre’s regime and replace with another one. In fact, a large number of SNM officials were the supporters of Greater Somalia. Liberation army’s in South Sudan and Eritrea were been fighting with a clear agenda for independence and that is why got the international community attention after they have won the liberation struggle. But the SNM has changed its agenda shortly after removal of the Barre’s regime. The announcement of Somaliland re-independence at Burao conference was an effort of few individuals who threatened the delegates. But it was not a popular demand of the people and even with in the majority of SNM governing Council.
Third, Unsustainablity. The international community is not sure of economic sustainability of British Somaliland if recognized. The “Somaliland” is semi-desert with no touchable output except livestock. Unfortunately, this livestock is now severely affected by the persistent droughts and diseases in the recent years. The available resources are not fully exploited. About half of the populations are living under the poverty line with less $1 per day. The country is totally dependent on foreign remittances and aid from developed countries.
It is therefore against this background that international community is not willing to take this burden by recognizing “Somaliland”.
Fourth, recognition of Somaliland may lead to pool of secessionist movement based on tribe or religion. The United Nations therefore fears the recognition of Somaliland may open a door for an increasing secessionist movement around the world. The current secessionist movement includes Tamil Tigers and Kurdish among others.
Fourth, Lack of popular support from the people. It is clear that not all people in the “Somaliland” borders are supporters of secessionist movement. In fact, a large percentage of the people in the “country” against independence. Somaliland failed to extend its control to its borders due to excessive resistance from the local people particularly in Sool regions. Furthermore, even the prominent politicians are also against it. The supporters of Somaliland are only few individuals are having interests in separatist movement. By this advantage, they have exploited the people of “Somaliland” economically and dominated politically.
After a failure, what is next?
Majority of the people in “Somaliland” are tired of long stories from Somaliland officials in which officials promise the recognition is coming but when? We don’t know exactly when! But can Somaliland people bear these sufferings? Have analyzed what Somaliland government has done for the country for the last two decades. Sincerely speaking, I don’t see any development but only peace. However, peace with out development is not enough. People are living in misery with a high unemployment and poverty. This has forced many people to flee the country for in search of better life in Europe. Even others argued being a Street Sweeper in England than living in Hargiesa in misery life. Life is tough here in Somaliland. But the future of Somaliland lies at the hands of its own people.
We have no alternative rather than living in misery life in Somaliland. At this time, uniting with South gain is not possible. Future of Somaliland lies in the hands of its own people. One day change will come for Somaliland: a change we trust in!
GADIID HASSAN
NAIROBI, KENYA
[email protected]