Regular Elections Can Save Somaliland from a Crisis It Cannot Afford

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May 24, 2022

Somaliland is marching towards a full blown political crisis precipitated by fears of electoral delays. This crisis risks plunging the country into instability, undermining the nation’s gains over the last three decades.

The opposition leaders over the last few weeks have stepped up their rhetoric threatening to mobilize their supporters. Abdirahman Irro, the presidential candidate of Waddani party, asked his supporters to wait for his signal — presumably for them to come to the streets. On his part, Faisal Ali Warabe, the veteran chairman of UCID party, literally threatened president Bihi with citizens breaking into the presidential palace to eject him.

The ruling party leaders also contributed to the escalating rhetoric during their celebration of the 20th anniversary of Kulmiye’s establishment. The Minister of the Interior, Mohamed Kahin, raised the tempo when he claimed that his party is up against unionist forces as he alleged Faisal Ali Warabe suggested joining Somalia in a confederation union in a recent meeting. Predictably, Faisal shot back angrily on Twitter saying that the minister’s allegation was the same justification for the bloody civil war in the 1990s.

The list of allegations and counter allegations is long, but the bottom line is that it increasingly seems it could lead to street confrontations if not worse. .

More than anytime in its history, Somaliland cannot afford that. Somaliland is in a volatile region where instability seems to be the norm and peace the exception. Spillovers of chaos are not unheard of in the region when the homefront is weakened.

Somaliland also has the unique vulnerability of lacking international recognition which theoretically would have protected her from the most destructive foreign interference aimed at undermining the polity altogether. Somalilanders have long understood that the only guarantee for their independence was their strength rooted in a stable government and a majority united behind the independence project. Any prolonged political crisis is a threat to the consensus of that majority and an opening for those malicious interferences.

More recently, those intentions to undermine Somalialnd’s polity are strengthened by Somaliland’s recent entanglement in world geopolitics. This involvement took the shape of rapprochement with the U.S by offering her a naval base in Berbera and an affront to China with the establishing of diplomatic relations with Taiwan accompanied by cavalry dismissal of China’s reactions. Nevertheless, China has been boosting its presence in the region and is not shy to let Somaliland know of its displeasure. When Somaliland’s minister of Foreign Affairs visited Taipe, Peking issued a strongly-worded condemnation and immediately sent military gear to Mogadishu. Most recently, the recent visit of the U.S Africom forces to Hargeisa and Berbera facilities coincided with China dispatching its 41st navy to the Gulf of Aden in an ‘anti-piracy and terrorism’ mission.

Considering all this, Somaliland can ill afford a political crisis at this juncture.

Fortunately, Somaliland can avoid this political crisis and all risks associated with it. The way to do that is to respect Somalialnd’s founding social contract and follow through with the democratic process.

The constitution of Somaliland clearly stipulates a democratic system with two basic tenets – elected leaders and regular elections.

Somaliland had nailed the first part from the beginning. It never had an unelected president or a person attempt to assume power without the consent of the electorate. That has paid off nicely with a peace generation that could lead the country to the next level of development.

However, it struggled with the second tenet as electoral delays are a constant feature of the political process. Recurring political crises always followed those delays which had to be resolved with a mixture of traditional conflict resolution mechanisms and international mediations.

As Somaliland is facing unprecedented challenges, those remedies are no longer suitable. A robust system that needs fewer interventions is overdue. And that is for Somaliland to nail the second tenet of its democracy — holding regular elections. .

Regular elections held in specific time intervals are indispensable for political stability. For one, It opens up the opportunity for peaceful assumption of power to all who can convince their fellow citizens of their worth. That clearly decentives anyone from seeking power by extralegal means. Secondly, regular elections lower the stakes in each contest. If elections were few and far in between, each election would be contested fanatically. As a matter of life or death. And finally, without this regularity, it would be harder for losing parties to accept results as there is no other opportunity in sight.

It is this regularity, the assured return of the chance, that makes competing in an election the most cost effective path to gaining power for anyone who is seeking it. When Somaliland fails to make elections regular, what loses is this critical safety valve of its governing system. It is about time we fixed that.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Abdillahi Hassan is a broadcast journalist and documentary filmmaker based in Hargeisa, Somaliland. He can be reached at abdiplastaro[at]gmail.com

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, or viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work are permitted.

Taiwan signs the Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation Agreement with Somaliland

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Staff

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May 24, 2022

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Press Release

The Ministry of Economic Affairs of the Republic of China (Taiwan) completed the signing of the “Agreement between the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the Government of the Republic of Somaliland on Energy and Mineral Resources Cooperation” on 23^rd May 2022. The signing ceremony was held at the Ministry of Energy and Minerals of the Republic of Somaliland, and the Ambassador Allen LOU of the Taiwan Representative office in Somaliland witnessed the signing of the said Agreement by H.E. Abdilahi Farah Abdi, Minister of Energy and Mines of Somaliland.

The signing of the said Agreement aims to lay the legal foundation for the energy and mineral resources cooperation. A joint working group will be formed to promote exchange of information, exploration of drilling, capacity building, trainings, and further investment.

Minister Abdilahi Farah Abdi reaffirms the commitment to jointly promote energy and mineral resources cooperation. The signing of the said Agreement covers important sectors for the development of Somaliland. The Ministry appreciates all the support from the Government of the Republic of China (Taiwan).

Ambassador Allen LOU remarks that this is a model of the mutual assistance-for-mutual-benefit (MAMB) cooperation for both countries. The signing of this Agreement not only symbolizes the Taiwan-Somaliland cooperation is in progress but also empowers Somaliland to demonstrate its sovereignty to the international communities. It is believed that more and more liked-minded countries will come to Somaliland-the “Treasury Island” to invest in.

In December 2021, Taiwan’s CPC Corporation signed the transfer agreement with UK’s Genel Energy, acquiring 49% of the rights on exploring the hydrocarbon resources in the SL10B and SL13 mining areas, and such agreement has been approved by the Somaliland government. Following the signing of the agreement, the first exploration well is expected to be drilled in 2023.

On the journey to explore Taiwan-Somaliland energy and mineral resources cooperation, both countries will work closely to reach the mutually beneficial goal.

Issued by The Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland on 23^rd May 2022.

The Somaliland Human Rights Center condemns the arrest of Djiboutian citizen Arreh Suleyman Awled Arreh in Gabilay, Somaliland

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Staff

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May 22, 2022

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Press release

Aare is a social activist who lives in the city of Gebilay, a Djiboutian national for four years. He is a social activist whose primary work elucidates the problems in Djibouti at the hands of the president of dijbouti, Ismail Omar Geele.

His work highlights socio-political issues of the Djiboutian government, specifically human rights issues in the country. Human Rights Center was able to get in contact with his family and can report that he was arrested without proper procedure and without a warrant as indicated in Somaliland constitution, nor charges that he is accused of.

HRC is concerned the previous history where Somaliland government handed over to the Djiboutian government a Somaliland citizen on 2014, will repeat itself here.

We are requesting that the same actions are not applicable to this case and are requesting the government to follow the constitution, specifically article 35(3) which states “The Republic of Somaliland may extradite to their countries convicted or accused foreigners if there is a treaty between the Republic of Somaliland and the country requesting their extradition.”

We have reason to be concerned as Abdullahi Sheik Abdirahman Ibrahim is still in prison in Djibouti presently. Therefore, we are urgently requesting that Somaliland authorities follow proper procedure in a fair and justified way and be reminded that Somaliland government does not have any treaty with Djibouti in place regarding accused citizens.

It will be morally unethical if the Somaliland government hands over Aareh Suleyman Awled Arreh. The center would like to request his immediate release and freedom.

Yasmin Omar H. Mohamoud

The Chairperson of Human Rights Center

Somaliland celebrates 31st anniversary of regaining its sovereignty

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Staff

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May 19, 2022

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This year, the Somaliland’s national 18^th May 2022 fall on a Wednesday. It is time that the people from all over Somaliland celebrate their independence. Time flies so fast and we are already celebrating the 31st anniversary of Somaliland. According to the Somaliland Diaspora Office, the motto of this years’ celebration is Statehood Recognition & Prosperity. It is our common goal to work together and ensure that Somaliland achieves recognition and prosperity.

For this year the people of Somaliland are celebrating their nation’s 31^st anniversary while at the same time supporting the victims of the Waheen market fire. Thousands of people lost their businesses and livelihood as a result of the fire that broke out in Waaheen market on the 2^nd April 2022. The people of Somaliland have once again shown resilience and unity. Both the people and the Government have shown during the last few weeks to be supportive of each other in a multi-pronged approach to recover from the devastation caused by the market fire. The tragedy of the fire was seen as yet another test facing Somaliland and needs to overcome through unity and co-operation between the government institutions and all the sections of Somaliland society, including business community, public and the Diaspora.

The drought that has severely affected many parts of Somaliland, especially the eastern regions of Somaliland, this is one of the things we must remember on this 31^st Anniversary. The drought issue was another test of the strength of solidarity and resilience for the people of Somaliland. The good news is that the business community and the Government of Somaliland were worked together to help people affected by the drought. However this is just the tip of the iceberg and the effects of the drought are still ongoing for the people of Somaliland. We must continue our efforts to support our people.

Coming back to my article, the 18^th May celebration is a part of a long journey for the Republic of Somaliland and its people. This young nation has since 1991 gone through testing challenges, grew by leaps and bounds to get to where it is today. You may be wondering what it has achieved since the reassertion of its independence. In this brief article, I do not intend to present all of its historical past or how it has reached its current position as a nation. You may want to refer, for this, to my article on the 30^th anniversary: https://gabiley.net/2021/05/somaliland-30th-anniversary-2021-by-abdi-cabdilahi-jibril-awliyo/

First of all, May 18^th is a day to remember that historically Somaliland gained its independence from the United Kingdom on 26^th June 1960 and lost its sovereignty five days after Somaliland formed a dubious union with Somalia on 1^st July 1960. It is therefore a day to remember the connections between 26^th June 1960 and 18^th May 1991. It is a day for the Somaliland people to remember their hard struggle for rectifying the June 1960 mistake. It is also a day to remember those who sacrificed their lives for the freedom we enjoy today. It is a day to celebrate achievements and ponder over challenges the nation is facing as a sovereign country.

May 18^th is a day we appreciate how we established formidable functioning state institutions in Somaliland including the executive branch, the legislative branch and the judicial branch. In addition to the institutions, Somaliland has also achieved to have the following: constitution, national flag, passport, currency, national anthem etc. We note in particular that in many countries around the world, Somalilanders travel on a Somaliland passport. An example of this is the recent visit on 13^th March 2022 by the president of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi and his delegation to the United Sates. Achievements in Somaliland over the past 31 years have also included the change of leadership of the country by five presidents, each of whom at the end of his term made a peaceful power transfer to the winning president. The five presidents are:

HE: Late: Abdirahman Ahmed Ali: 1991-1993
HE: Late: Ibrahim Haji Egal: 1993-2002
HE: Dahir Riyale Kahin: 2002-2010
HE: Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud (Siilaanyo): 2010-2017
HE: Muse Bihi Abdi, the current president: 2017-until present

Somaliland is also a country proud of its electoral achievements. It is politically a country with contesting parties and is sometimes described as beacon of democracy. In the case of the Somaliland elections we can take as an example the election held on the 31st of May 2021. It was a combined election contested by the Parliament and Local District Elections. According to the National Election Commission, two opposition parties (Waddani and Ucid) have won a majority of seats with 52 seats and the ruling party (Kulmiye) secured 30 seats. The current president of Somaliland Muse Bihi Abdi and his government have accepted the election was won by the opposition. Since regaining its sovereignty, Somaliland has peacefully held many elections, including local council, parliamentary and presidential elections. All these elections were monitored by international observers mainly from the EU, America and Africa.

Since Somaliland regained its sovereignty, it has invested a lot of time and effort in engaging with other countries in the world. Somaliland has over 20 Diplomatic missions countries in Europe, North Africa, North America, Asia and the Middle East. In recent years Somaliland’s foreign policy has become more proactive in dealing and engaging with other countries. An example of this is the recent visit of the Somaliland President and delegation led by him to the United States in March this year. It was a historic Diplomatic visit, in which they met with officials from US Congress, the State Department, the Pentagon and other important institutions.

The visit of the Somaliland foreign Minister and his Delegation to Taiwan in this year was also another historic visit. During their visit they met with the president of the country and other Taiwanese Government officials.

What is also important for the anniversary of this year is the adjournment debate on Somaliland’s recognition held by some of the UK parliament members on Tuesday 18 January 2022. We are all well aware that all regions of Somaliland have welcomed the debate on recognition of Somaliland in the House of Commons organised by Gavin Williamson (MP South Staffordshire), former Secretary for Defense and Education. The view of the Somaliland people on this debate was very positive. In the future, they see this debate as a way to help the issue of Somaliland to gain recognition from the other countries.

We appreciate all the MPs who took part in the Somaliland debate and presented a strong case for recognition that shed light on the issue of Somaliland case and its existence. Apart from Gavin Williamson other MPs who took an active part in the debate include: Stephen Doughty ( Lab ), Rushanara Ali ( Lab ), Tom Tugendhat ( Con )
Chairman of the Foreign Affairs committee, Andrew Mitchell ( Con ) Former Secretary of state for International development, Sir Robert Buckland ( Con ), Clive Betts ( Lab ), Alun Cairns ( Con), Paul Blomfield ( Lab ), Ruth Jones ( Lab ), James Daly ( Con ), Kerry McCarthy ( Lab ).

The commemoration of 18th May includes remembering and appreciating Somaliland’s friends in the world who helped Somaliland in its long journey and struggle. Somaliland will never forget the countries and friends of the world who have long supported the cause of Somaliland and expressed their support and solidarity during Somaliland’s difficult times.

With this 31st anniversary, Somaliland with its citizens are celebrating as the country still lacks international recognition but on the other hand a great opportunity for diplomacy is going forward as some other countries have diplomatic offices in Hargeisa (The capital of Somaliland). Such countries, we can take as an example UK, UAE, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Taiwan, Turkey, Kenya and Denmark (Programme Office).

When you look at the instability of neighbouring countries in the horn of Africa, Somaliland’s 31 years of existence has clearly shown resilience in terms of security and stability. The people of Somaliland are naturally respectful and peaceful loving people. Despite the many circumstances and challenges that Somalilanders face in their daily lives, they are law abiding citizens. They are citizens who’s main ambition is to one day see the international community acknowledging the existence of Somaliland and the right of self-determination of the people of Somaliland.

A Message to the newly selected president of Somalia

I hope the newly selected president the newly elected president (Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud) will face the reality on the ground and respect the self-determination and the aspiration of the Somaliland people. The fact is that today the majority of the Somaliland population are people born after 1991. I hope the newly selected president will learn a lot from the mistakes of his predecessors. He does not need a policy based on hostility and repeat the failing tactics used by the Farmaajo regime. I also hope the new president of Somalia will be courageous enough to accept that the failed bibulous union will never be reinstated and that Somaliland will never be brought under colonization again but that the two countries should better live together as neighbours working together for the development and the security in the region.

It is important to mention that the majority of Somalilanders who make up about 70% of the population are under the age of 30 born after Somaliland regained its sovereignty in 1991. This new generations are the ones shaping and leading the country and deciding the future destiny of Somaliland. The same is true for Somalia. The new generations of both countries do not need to waste their time on things that are not in the best interest of both countries. For, there is no hope to continue the negotiations between Somaliland and Somalia, which started in 2012. It is clear that the nine rounds of talks between the two sides ended in failure. According to the Somaliland presidential speech, “Somalia was fully responsible for the failed talks and Somaliland sees no future in continuing any dialogue between the two sides”.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, with or without international recognition Somaliland will continue its struggle for a better and brighter future for its younger generations. There is no doubt that the people of Somaliland have achieved tremendous positive developments during the 31 years of existence as a sovereignty state. As we are celebrating on 31^st anniversary, the people of Somaliland are still facing challenges. The impact of the drought on people, livestock and life in general is taking time to ease.

The devastation caused by the fire in Waheen Market is another major challenge affecting thousands of traders. However these challenges as well as the challenged related to the lack of international recognition can only be overcome through genuine understanding and

cooperation between institutions and self-reliance which is the trademark of Somalilanders. So, in my view, we Somalilanders have a reason to celebrate and I wish to share my congratulation to all Somalilanders both in the diaspora or back home

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Mr. Abdi Abdullahi Jibril (Awliyo) is a development specialist and holds an MA (Leadership and Management) from Edge Hill University, PgDip (Urban Management) from Institute of Housing and Urban Development Studies, Rotterdam and first Degree (Statistics) from Institute of National Statistics and Applied Economics, Mogadishu. He has an extensive experience in the fields of education and integration and has worked in in NGO’s and LGO’s. He is currently the Chief Executive of Bolton Solidarity Community Association, and has keen interest in issues related to organizational development of Diaspora networks. He can be reached at jabdi35[at]yahoo.com.

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, or viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work are permitted.

The Great Promise of Closer US – Somaliland Ties & AFRICOM recent Visit.

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Staff

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May 18, 2022

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The visit goes by this name and it has started with President Muse Bihi official tour to Washington DC.

His visit – the first by a sitting president of Somaliland but it’s not the first for the man in person.

The tour is mainly to get US attention towards Somaliland and to establish an engagement with Somaliland and to conduct a feasibility study, one reason to do that was that US didn’t want to limit itself anymore with Somalia policy and this is what exactly senator US Senate Statement

Van Hollen and Senator Jim Risch of US Senate Foreign relations committee had emphasized the necessity to work with like-minded Somaliland who is committed to peace, democracy and prosperity

Historically – these remarks are not unique and something new to the ears of Somaliland because Similarly Dr. Jendayi Frazer – former U.S assistant secretary of state for African Affairs said something similar and praised Somaliland achievement to restore peace and stability in a volatile region that could explode in any minute. She had even claimed that Somaliland unique story should be acknowledged and pushed for recognition – yes recognition in which she regretted not moving Somaliland legal case in her tenure and time. After all it was a mission impossible for her just like she failed to convince Khartoum about Sudan’s Darfur crisis.

Dr. Jendayi Frazer not only knew about Africa but she led US policy towards the continent after Berry Newman left the office, Frazer Said she is willing Africa on Bush term to be nothing but characterized by continuity – it was US strategy too to develop relations and engage deep with Africans but today many US policy makers and foreign relations do know little about Africa let alone Somaliland.

Accountability also matters. While Somalia is among world’s most corrupt states – a place many saw as irredeemable disaster if not worse and while US Africa Command (AFRICOM) proved working and restoring stability for so many African countries, surely that is different and beyond reach in Somalia.

Again there was another surge of interest in Biden administration for Somaliland’s case that has regained the traction it lost during Hillary Clinton’s as Secretary of State and her US dual-track policy towards Somaliland. This time was from an official US congressional staff who had paid visit to Hargeysa and who marked a turning point in the U.S government engagement to Somaliland that was a response to the Somaliland Foreigner Minister – Dr. Essa Kayd along with Dr. Edna Aden – their visit was nothing but to engage with Washington once again to develop on diplomatic relations and security defense partnership with Somaliland.

But suddenly a recent visit of US Africa Command has lashed all these efforts – even changed the narrative of this relations, one that jeopardize and undermined the sovereignty and statehood of Somaliland

This has started from a mere Readout of US AFRICOM stating that they will deal with Somaliland similar as a federal member of Somalia – something that has upset many Somalilanders in the social media and elsewhere and saw it nothing but as an insult to their legal status as a free and independent country – is shockingly untrue too , simply because Somaliland has its own statehood and sovereignty and US foreign policy do want little to be briefed about, in fact US were dealing with Somaliland always differently as a separate country since they reclaimed their independence in 1991.

The visit of AFRICOM has come after huge attraction on Berbera facilities including airfield and rapidly developing of its port, this also advances shared interest by both countries to protect regional stability and protecting vital trade routes.

Unlike Somalia which has no control over piracy, terrorism and trafficking, Somaliland coast guard founded in 1995 did this alone over the past 30 years almost and with policing almost 530-mile coastline of Somaliland without any help or support from EU, UK or USA. This is if any single out the role of the coast guards as an example of successful policing which barely nowhere except Somaliland.

Piracy, or its absence, like the relative peace in Somaliland, was portrayed as symptomatic of an essential difference between Somaliland and Somalia – Something AFRICOM didn’t grasp yet.

Additionally and with China increasing presence in Africa and its giant base in Djibouti, one that is not going to end very soon and one that put Djibout in its debt trap, on the other hand US are very careful about any out leverage of China could risk their presence and that’s why is so important for United States to have reconsider its geopolitical move. Berbera port was always important and geopolitical battlefield between Russia,China and now US .

Russia because they wanted to change their troubled Sudan Naval plans, China because for seeking mining concessions in Somaliland and to give China huge advantage of control near the suez canal for the cargo in-out from Gulf of Aden to the Mediterranean – China as well don’t have any of US or Russia qualms.

With AFRICOM reaching to Somaliland – we could only think of the Win-Win deal that has been on the move and being discussed extensively within the US Congress members on how they would engage with Somaliland – that proved to be better than even the UK treatment ( de facto recognition) specially when Somaliland had enjoyed this with other nations like UK,UAE and Taiwan Win-Win or No Deal

Conclusion

Surely Somaliland – US partnership act should reinforce strongly the recognition part of Somaliland that was missing so that the country could be an important member that can be acknowledged for the tremendous and huge role played by more than half a century.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Faisel Ahmed is a Somalilander based in Qatar. Works as Contract specialist in QIB, Doha – Qatar

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, or viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work are permitted.

AFRICOM’s Tone Deaf Statement in Context

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Staff

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May 16, 2022

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On May 12, 2022, General Stephen Townsend, commander of U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), visited Hargeisa and Berbera. The visit demonstrated that the momentum demonstrated by last year’s Congressional staff delegation and this spring’s visit by President Muse Bihi’s visit to Washington is real. However, a subsequent AFRICOM readout from the trip marred an otherwise historic visit as it emphasized the State Department’s “one Somalia” policy and suggested AFRICOM considered Somaliland little different than Somalia’s other member states. It was tone-deaf and insulting.

Somalilanders reacted in outrage on social media. On twitter and other platforms, some even called into question the wisdom of pursuing a tighter relationship with the United States. The AFRICOM statement will not be the only speedbump as stronger bilateral relations develop.

Somaliland has not been alone in its effort to change decades of U.S. policy that underappreciates overwhelming local sentiment antipathetic to the US- or internationally-recognized suzerain.

Consider: the last time mainland China controlled Taiwan was in 1895, decades prior to the independence of almost every colonial territory in Africa or Asia. As part of his effort to peel the People’s Republic of China away from any alliance with the Soviet Union, Secretary of State Henry Kissinger agreed to end U.S. recognition of Taiwan in favor of Communist China. Taiwanese were furious. The United States—and much of the world—betrayed them. They stomached the insults to their sovereignty, however, and sought to mitigate them as they worked to ensure their long-term security and autonomy. They cultivated Congress to ensure that they remained militarily able to resist any Chinese efforts to take their territory by force. Even today, Taiwan’s strong relationships with Congress act as a brake on any shortsighted White House or State Department effort to treat the freedom and liberty of 24 million Taiwanese as a diplomatic chit to trade away on the naïve belief that Beijing keeps its promises. Still, Taiwan puts up with the frequent indignity. On April 21, 2022, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo referred to the island as “Chinese Taipei,” a formula as grating to the Taiwanese as the AFRICOM release’s “Hargeisa, Somalia” was to Somalilanders. Her statement was gratuitous and reflected more her staffers’ ignorance than a change in U.S. policy. A subsequent Commerce Secretary statement corrected the error and referred to Taiwan by its true name. AFRICOM, too, subsequently signaled it understood its previous error when it issued a subsequent statement that discussed Somaliland without reference to Somalia.

Perhaps the biggest insult to the Taiwanese, however, is the international community’s insistence that it not use its flag or anthem in the Olympics, and instead march under the name Chinese Taipei. Again, Taiwanese swallow their pride: The symbolism of often outperforming Communist China at the same games makes it worth it.

Iraqi Kurds have enjoyed autonomy for three decades and have, at times flirted with independence. The Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraqi Kurdistan formed in 1992, against the backdrop of then-Iraqi President Saddam Hussein’s miscalculation that, should he withdraw all services from northern Iraq, the Kurds would have no choice but to return to his control or starve. When, just over a decade later U.S.-led forces invaded Iraq, policymakers feared that the Kurds would use the opportunity to fracture the country. As policymakers grew sensitive to the symbolism of Kurdish independence, the Kurdish flag became the focal point of disputes. U.S. policymakers insisted that the Iraqi flag fly in any meeting that diplomats or military officials had with their Iraqi Kurdish counterpoints. Massoud Barzani, the head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party, both resisted and tested American commitment to the “one Iraq” policy, repeatedly seeking to fly only the Kurdish flag. Tension escalated and financial hardball ensued, but eventually Barzani caved, at least for a time. In many meetings, Iraqi Kurdish officials stand before both flags.

As American relations develop with Somaliland, the flag issue will likely be the next bone of diplomatic contention. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken knows little about the Horn of Africa; he instead relies on the advice of long-time State Department specialists shaped more in the mold of retired Ambassador Donald Yamamoto. Most US policymakers have little idea that Somaliland has governed itself longer than its failed union with the rest of Somalia or that the Somaliland Shilling rests on a more stable base than its Somali counterpart does. Just as these staffers shaped press releases accompanying Bihi’s visit to Washington and the first AFRICOM statement following Townsend’s visit, so too will they begin to insist that the Somalia flag fly during all future meetings to reinforce U.S. policy, however outdated it may be.

Here, Somalilanders will face a choice: Whether to derail relationships over the issue, a reaction which Somalia’s lobbyists within the State Department seek, or to prioritize the real over the symbolic as Taiwan and Iraqi Kurdistan do. Just as Iraqi Kurds fly their flag alongside the Iraqi flags which sometimes flies below it, so too could Somalilanders fly their flag highest in official meetings, with the flags of not only Somalia but also Djibouti and Ethiopia in the background to symbolize Somaliland’s equality to other states in the region. This would fulfill the looming U.S. demand without accomplishing its desired implication of Hargeisa’s subordination to Mogadishu.

Hopefully, Somalilanders will temper idealism with realism as they chart a path to the finish line. The choice, however, is Somaliland’s. Taiwan is de facto independent, with its own flag, embassies, and democracy. Iraqi Kurdistan remains autonomous, a right now enshrined in Iraq’s constitution. Somalilanders may be quick to react to sleights real and imagined on social media, or they can single-mindedly seek to build a relationship so multifaceted that no politician in Mogadishu or diplomat whose understanding of the region ends with dictator Siad Barre can possibly unravel it.

Michael Rubin is a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute

Taiwan is an indispensable partner of the world health map: Support Taiwan’s participation in all WHO meetings, mechanisms and activities

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Staff

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May 16, 2022

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Since the outbreak of COVID-19 over two years ago, the costliest lesson we have learned is all the countries need to work together to face the challenges arising from the pandemic. No one can win this battle alone. Viruses know no borders. Inclusive collaboration is the key to successfully containing the pandemic.

‘No one is safe, until everyone is’

Taiwan’s response to COVID-19 has been one of the most successful in the world. Backed by its robust health system, Taiwan has efficiently deployed high-tech tools in its pandemic response while taking steps to protect personal data privacy. As Taiwan Health Minister Dr. Chen indicated, “being able to comprehensively participate in and contribute to international COVID-19 supply chain systems, as well as global diagnostics, vaccine, and therapeutics platforms, would allow Taiwan to work with the rest of the world”. We are fighting the pandemic together because “no one is safe, until everyone is”.

Health for all, Taiwan can help

Taiwan is a small island with a big heart. Taiwan has donated medical supplies to more than 80 countries since the outbreak of COVID-19. Somaliland has deeply realized and witnessed Taiwan’s capabilities and contributions because of Taiwan’s flagship medical cooperation implemented in Somaliland. Taiwan continuously assists Somaliland combating COVID-19 by providing over 80% of the medical supplies including PCRs, antigen rapid tests, oxygen generators, masks, PPEs and 150,000 doses of the Taiwan-made Medigen vaccine.

The “Taiwan Model” to fight COVID-19

COVID-19 has shown how a global health crisis not only threatens lives but can also undermine democracy, human rights, and good governance. “The Taiwan Model” is an example of how a modern democracy can work transparently using technology to fight the pandemic. Together, we can strengthen health systems, renew democracy, and uphold human rights. Together, we will build back a better world.

Building a resilient and inclusive global health system together

We appreciate the growing support for Taiwan’s inclusion from the international community, and recognition of Taiwan’s successful contribution against the COVID-19 pandemic. We therefore to urge WHO to join the like-minded countries to acknowledge Taiwan’s longstanding contributions to the international community in the areas of public health, disease prevention, and the human right to health, and to include Taiwan in WHO and its meetings, mechanisms, and activities. Echoing the mantra of the United Nations’ 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, no one should be left behind.

Let Taiwan help and let Taiwan help more

Taiwan has plenty to offer the international community, but it’s hard to do when it’s excluded from the WHO. We believe that “WEAPONS cannot increase human welfare, but HEALTH does.”

Taiwan is an indispensable partner on the path to global post pandemic recovery and world health map. The world needs Taiwan, let Taiwan help and let Taiwan help more.

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Ambassador Allen C. Lou, Taiwan Representative Office in the Republic of Somaliland

Disclaimer: The viewpoints expressed by the authors do not necessarily reflect the opinions, or viewpoints of Somaliland Chronicle, and its staff.

Notice: This article by Somaliland Chronicle is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non-Commercial 4.0 International License. Under this license, all reprints and non-commercial distribution of this work are permitted.

Commander of United States Africa Command Visits Somaliland

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Staff

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May 12, 2022

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A delegation led by The Commander of United States Africa Command, General Stephen J. Townsend visited the Republic of Somaliland and met with the President and members of his cabinet, and commanders of various armed services of Somaliland. In addition to other high-ranking military officials, the delegation includes Mr. Larry André, the United States Ambassador to Somalia who is visiting Somaliland since his appointment early last year. General Townsend is the highest-ranking military official to visit the Republic of Somaliland since it declared its independence in 1991.

According to a statement from the President’s Office, the delegation led by General Townsend proceeded to Berbera, where they toured the newly renovated port and airport. In August 2021, officials from the United States Department of Defense surveyed both facilities and tested the runway of Berbera Airport with C-130J-30 Super Hercules — one of the largest transport aircraft in the Airforce’s fleet. The United States currently maintains Camp Lemonnier, a major military base in Djibouti.

The historic visit from the delegation led by General Townsend comes less than two months after President Bihi’s visit to the United States, where he held meetings with members of the United States government, Congress, and Senate on bilateral ties and security cooperation between the Republic of Somaliland and the United States.

President @musebiihi & Cabinet Ministers were honored to join @AsstSecStateAF, @USAID’s @MauraBarryBoyle, @DeptofDefense’s @ilangoldenberg & @USAfricaCommand Amb. Andrew Young to explore opportunities for cooperation on economic, security & development issues of mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/7lnaQ2q2Lx
— Mubarak Taani (@MubarakTaani) March 14, 2022

“This is a direct result of the historic visit of President Bihi to the USA and the genuine wish of the two sides, both Somaliland and the USA, in advancing cooperation on areas of common interest to the highest possible level.”, said Mr. Bashir Goth, Somaliland’s Representative in the United States who was instrumental in the President’s visit to DC and has completely revamped the ties between the two nations on General Townsend’s historic visit.

Somaliland Presidency Awarded No-Bid Contract with Inflated Cost to Redesign and Rebuilt War Memorial

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Staff

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May 12, 2022

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Somaliland Government spent $222,153 US Dollars on the redesign and the construction of the new war memorial in the center of Hargeisa. The new design, built by Zak Construction, consists of a stepped platform, five concrete pillars with the MiG-17 fighter jet perched on top of an arch, and a garden with shaded areas for the public.

The monument looks culturally out of place and risks whitewashing the grim history of death and destruction visited upon the people of Somaliland and gives the impression that the elevated jet was defending the people of Somaliland and is being glorified. The design seems to be Soviet-inspired and looks like a budget version of the Soviet Memorial Tiergarten in Berlin. These are some of the public criticism of the monument that was all but ignored.

The semi-finished monument differs a lot from the design rendering that was hung at the site when the redesign was announced. It is a lot smaller where the MiG-17, clad with a freshly painted Somalia flag, dominates the structure and is facing the wrong direction.

Although the original weight of a MiG-17 without its weapons payload is around 4.3 tons, the historical artifact that is on top of the monument does not contain the monstrous Klimov VK-1 engine which will put the fighter jet at roughly 3 tons, and according to construction experts, there is no indication that high-strength concrete was used because of lightweight of the jet.

One of the immediate issues with the reconstruction project is the initial $132,784 US Dollars price tag of monument construction, which was disbursed in two installments as stipulated by the contract, and an additional $89,369 US Dollars for what was described as finishing work.

This puts the total cost of the construction at a whopping $222,153 US Dollars and, it is unclear if there was a separate contract for the additional funds or if authorization was sought and obtained from the National Tender Board or the Ministry of Housing and Public Works.

Two construction experts we consulted for this report were less generous in their valuation and estimated 100,000 to 120,000 with a 20% expected profit for the contracting company. To make his point, besides the cost of concrete per cubic meter, labor and the technical minutia of the project stated that a standard two-story five bedroom and three bathrooms mini-mansion complete with fence, service quarters, and move-in ready costs about 120,000 US dollars to build.

According to contract documents signed by Mr. Mohamed Ali Bile, the Director-General of the Presidency, who has been involved in many government-led construction projects, the contract for the reconstruction of the memorial was directly awarded to Zak Construction in a no-bid contract where Mr. Bile sought approval from the National Tender Board retroactively.

This is not the first no-bid contract that the Presidency, and especially Mr. Bile, has awarded outside of the National Tender Board’s process and sought approval after the contract has been awarded. There is no evidence of other construction projects implemented by Zak Construction.

Awarding of no-bid contracts by the President’s Office is contrary to the pledge that President Bihi has repeatedly made regarding the fairness and transparency of the national procurement system. In his address to the join session of the Parliament, he said, “I hereby declare that any government agency that does not comply with this decision will be subject to appropriate action”.

We reached out to Mr. Abdirazak Mohamoud Muhumed (Afyare), the owner of Zak Construction, to ask him to justify the $222,153 US Dollar price tag of the monument and how his company, with seemingly no track record of any major construction projects, was selected by the Presidency. Unhappy with the line of inquiry, Mr. Muhumed claimed that his private business is off-limits and has referred all questions about the monument construction to the government and the Presidency with a bit of advice to change the name of the outlet to Somaliland Wikileaks and threatened legal action if we mentioned him of his company.

In addition, we have reached out to the Presidency and the Director-General, Mr. Mohamed Ali Bile, about the contract, its inflated cost, and why he has repeatedly circumvented National Tender Board processes and awarded no-bid contracts frequently. We have also asked about his view of the public criticism of the design and the fact that currently; the monument lacks the historical context of what the instrument of death used by the Dictatorial regime of Mohamed Siad Barre to destroy Hargeisa and massacre the inhabitants of Hargeisa in 1988, stands for. He did not respond to our questions.

Military Tribunal Sentences A High Ranking Military Officer to Death

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Staff

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May 9, 2022

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Somaliland Military Tribunal sentenced Lieutenant Colonel Salah Bullale Jama to death for the murder of Najma Abdillahi on May 2nd in Hargeisa. According to various coverage of the murder and the subsequent arrest of the perpetrator, the murder of Najma, who worked for the Ministry of Agricultural Development, occurred around Hargeisa Group Hospital and is related to a personal dispute.

The unusually swift conviction and sentencing of Lieutenant Colonel Salah Bullale Jama come after calls from the family of the victim, who appealed to the government to ensure justice is served and threatened that the burial of the slain young lady will not occur until the perpetrator is executed. It is unclear if this influenced the military tribunal’s compressed timeline for sentencing and conviction.

Previously, the military tribunal handed down capital punishment in cases where members of the armed services have committed crimes either against civilians or other members of the armed forces.

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