Below questions and answers are the summary of a meeting held at Chatham House on 31 October 2013. The meeting looked at Somaliland’s efforts towards becoming an internationally recognized independent state.
1) Question
What efforts are being made by the Somaliland government to ensure that Somaliland’s regional allies Kenya and Ethiopia accept the official status of the territory? Recognition of Somaliland by African countries may be the first step before international recognition.
Dr Yonis stated that Ethiopia is one of Somaliland’s closest allies. Somaliland has supported Ethiopia and Djibouti by working as a buffer zone against instability, and Ethiopia and Somaliland cooperate to tackle issues such as terrorism. Somaliland has a representative in Addis Ababa and the neighbours enjoy a significant amount of high-level bilateral engagement.
Dr Yonis said that the African Union (AU) should take the lead to promote recognition of Somaliland. Somaliland is currently engaged with the AU parliament and Ethiopia has been assisting with this process.
Comment
It was stated that Ethiopia has taken many steps short of fully recognizing Somaliland as an independent state. Ethiopia was the first country in the region to open up an office in Hargeisa.
2 ) Question
Does the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office have a position on what Somaliland can do to encourage international investment?
Comments
It was noted that Somaliland and Somalia need to come to an agreement together that would facilitate investment in the region, and that such discussions should be guided by the AU. This should happen in a similar manner to the agreement reached by Sudan and South Sudan.
The British government recognizes Somaliland’s achievements, but there is still a lack of capacity that deters investment. There needs to be development
of Somaliland’s private sector, which will be essential to encourage investment. It was added that there are inherent problems for businesses to invest in an unrecognized state, such as securing insurance.
In a separate comment, it was noted that comparing the situation of Sudan and South Sudan with that of Somalia and Somaliland was a false parallel, as South Sudan had the support of the United States, which put pressure on Sudan to sign the peace deal. In the case of Somaliland, the country has no international supporter. The territory is being urged to accept status as a federal state of Somalia.
3 ) Question
How is the Somaliland government structuring the steps it is taking to gain recognition from the international community, and is there a timeframe in place to achieve these steps by?
Dr Yonis stated that the current travel advice for Somaliland issued by the British government dissuades investment. Somaliland is assessed alongside Somalia in the travel advice, and equating the two regions is inaccurate as Somaliland is considerably safer than Somalia. Nevertheless, there are a number of British entrepreneurs working in Somaliland, so the travel advice does not reflect reality. The Somaliland government has been working with the British government to get the travel advice changed.
Promoting business in Somaliland will create jobs, giving Somaliland youth alternatives to becoming drawn towards jihadist movements, and will help stabilize the Horn region.
Dr Yonis noted that now is the time to re-engage with the international community on the issue of independence. Somalilanders held a referendum, and the outcome was for Somaliland to be accepted as a separate country from Somalia. The two regions already have distinct governments and separate administrations. It is difficult to give a time frame, as secession should have happened already. It is also in the interest of Somaliland’s neighbours, as an independent Somaliland will enhance stability in the Horn region. Dr Yonis added that independence should happen soon.
Comment
It was noted that the travel advice issued by the British government is not political but reflects its duty to ensure the safety and security of British citizens abroad. The current travel advice for Somaliland has been decided on the basis of certain sources that the British government cannot disclose for reasons of security. Some of these sources have indicated potential threats to British citizens in Somaliland; therefore the advice is not to travel to Somalia or Somaliland. However, this advice is not static, and may well change.
Dr Yonis stated that this travel advice is limiting the Somaliland economy, despite advances made in security reforms. It also hinders humanitarian work in the region. He noted that the travel advice for Somaliland has remained the same for the past nine months. This does not work in the interest of Somaliland and other countries in the Horn.
4- ) Question
What has been the impact in Somaliland regarding the debate over the potential closure of remittance channels, and what will happen if Somaliland diaspora can no longer send money home from the United Kingdom?
Dr Yonis stated that remittances are a lifeline for Somaliland, and any disruption to this channel of funds will directly affect Somaliland. As an unrecognized region, Somaliland is not eligible for development assistance from international organizations, and so remittances are essential. He stated that the international money transfer company Dahabshiil, which works through Barclays operates in a transparent manner, maintaining a system of checks and balances. The Somaliland government has been holding talks with the British government to try to resolve the situation with Barclays.
5 ) Question
You noted that Somaliland has been engaging in talks with Somalia. What is being done to enhance and facilitate cross-border activity, particularly the issue of passports?
Dr Yonis stated that following the last talks with Mogadishu, some agreements were not honoured by Somalia. There are concerns, but Somaliland wants to move forward from the initial stages of cooperation that are being implemented.
6) Question
Can you tell us more about the new voter registration system, and when will Somaliland hold presidential and parliamentary elections?
Dr Yonis stated that the next elections are due to be held in 2015. Somaliland is working with its donor partners on voter registration, which has been called for by the Somaliland people. This will help ensure that elections are free and fair. The interior minister is working on a two-part pilot project to implement voter registration. He noted that Somaliland is committed to holding elections in a timely manner, but will not rush the process.
7) Question
What progress has been made regarding EU funding for Somaliland’s five-year national development plan?
Dr Yonis stated that the Somaliland government has had many discussions with the EU and the donor community, and made it clear that Somaliland’s development plan is more advanced than that of Somalia’s. The international community has accepted this and Brussels has agreed to split funding for Somaliland and Somalia. It is not known how much will be allocated for Somaliland.
Somaliland: Progress Towards a Regional and International Role
8) Question
How will the government engage with those who live in the Somaliland region but who do not subscribe to an independent Somaliland? For example, there is a movement pushing for an independent Khatumo state.
Dr Yonis stated that the Somaliland government has been working hard to disarm militant groups in Khatumo who have been advocating for an independent Khatumo. The government is open to national debate and dialogue with all citizens wishing to express themselves in a democratic and peaceful manner. There is no legitimate separate government around Khatumo that would distinguish it from Somaliland
source: www.chathamhouse.org
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