THE SPEECH OF THE VICE PRESIDENT OF SOMALILAND TO THE ALL PARTY MPS FOR SOMALILAND AND SOMALIA.

Somaliland Vice President H. E. Abdirahman Abdilahi Sayli

Honourable MPs, Friends of Somaliland, Ladies and gentlemen, we are delighted to be received in this landmark of democracy, the mother of all parliaments, this House of Commons.

These days my country celebrates 22th Anniversary of its second republic, established after a hard and costly struggle in which thousands lost their lives, whole towns destroyed by the tyranny of military dictatorship.

My Somaliland received its independence after nearly a century under British protectorate, on 26th June 1960. With the spirit of freedom and solidarity, we united with the other part of Somali territory that gained its independence after 4 days, The Somali Italia, anticipating the union of all five Somali territories.

The unfair treatment of our people in Ex British Protectorate destroyed the hope and ambition of all Somalis to be under one country the so called Greater Somalia.

After a decade of veracious war against the people of Somaliland by then the third strongest military in Africa, we succeeded to free our land from one of the cruellest of dictatorships and establish Somaliland a democratic and peace loving nation.

Without external help, we succeeded to rebuild our destroyed nation physically, institutionally and spiritually. We established a multi-party democracy where rule of the law is the norm. WE undertook five free and democratic elections: two Presidential elections, one parliamentary and two local government elections.

All these elections where concluded fairly and in peace as witnessed by international independent election monitoring teams, including team from UK and European Union. In the last presidential election held in 2010, we witnessed the first peaceful change of leadership in the entire Horn of Africa. We, my party KULMIYE then an opposition won the election, giving me and our President the chance to rule our beloved nation for five years.

Our government appreciates British role in reconciliation effort to make Somalia a functioning and peaceful country. However, it must be clear to all that Somaliland is not Somalia; it is entirely a different state. That is why we have to negotiate as two independent states seeking a mutual relationship of brotherhood and friendship. In that spirit we attended February 2012 All Somali conference here in London under the sponsorship of British Government. We were not part of reconciliation for Somalia, but as stated in point six of the conference agreement, we attended in equal footing with Somalia. Two governments negotiating for better relationship. We thank Britain for that.

We are thankful to U.K for its direct help in security and economic development. We look forward for more and perpetual relationship to the benefit of our citizens. We share hundreds of thousands of citizens that have both nationalities. They play a major role in rebuilding Somaliland. They are the bridge that links our two countries.

Honourable MPs and fellow friends of Somaliland, despite our entire successful endeavour to establish a functioning peaceful democracy in a region where both peace and democracy is rarely heard, we are not recognized by the international community.

With our historic link between our nations, we ask United Kingdom to help us achieve the inalienable right this nation deserves: to join international community as sovereign and independent nation. We satisfied all conditions necessary for a functioning and democratic country. Our nation is instituted with the free will of its people, without any external influence. That will is the ultimate that shapes our future as an independent and sovereign state.

I ask your honourable MPs to spearhead for a mutual and strong relationship between our countries. We ask UK to be at the front of all nations in supporting us to gain the long waited recognition of the international community.

Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share with you the aspiration of our people.

The Vice President of Somaliland

HE. Abdirahman Abdilahi Sayli

AU Snores While EU Runs By Jamal Ali Hussien UCID Party Presidential Candidate

It was last January 28 when I boarded my plane from Newyork to London on my way to South Africa. I was reading the Financial Times when I noticed an article about Kosovo declaring statehood, and how the European Union (EU) is setting the stage for Kosovo to be an internationally recognized State.

Jamal Ali Hussien UCID Party Presidential Candidate

I could not help asking myself questions like why the African Union (AU) is not playing the same role on my birthplace of Somaliland? On May 18, Somaliland Republic (former British Somaliland) celebrated 16 years of self-rule and thriving democracy since it has decided to re-instate its sovereignty from Somalia after the fall of Siyad Barre’s regime in 1991.

As a Somalilander, who ran away from Barre’s atrocities as a young man in the late 1980s and settled in the United States, I had mixed feelings as I saw my people celebrate the 16 th anniversary of Somaliland’s birth. On the one hand, I was extremely proud of the people of Somaliland, and its leaders for what they have been able to achieve for the past 16 years.

 

On the other hand, I am less excited and amazed by lack of AU’s role in leading the way to promote Somaliland’s cause by sending a strong signal to other African countries that they do care and reward peace, stability and democracy (acknowledging people’s choice).

It is very clear why EU is very serious about the status of Kosovo. EU is planning to avoid the risk of war and violence that would again destabilize the Balkan region. The million-dollar question is why our own AU is not far sighted enough to avoid a potential war between southern Somalia leaders and Somaliland that will undermine the stability of the whole region?

 

Somalia leaders are not known to respect the rule of law and the wishes of their citizens. This is the main reason that Somaliland people are fully determined to fight for their sovereign status on the basis of independence from Great Britain on June 26, 1960.

 

Thirty-one countries that are members of the United Nations recognized Somaliland as an independent state before uniting with the Italian Somaliland on July 1, I960 to form what was known as Somalia Republic. Somaliland is only seeking recognition within the borders inherited at that moment.

 

Somaliland , not officially recognized by any state, has been functioning as a constitutional democracy with a president directly elected by the people, aided by a parliament and local government also directly elected by the people.

Some people do not truly understand why people of Somaliland decided to go alone, and broke its partnership with the south. Some of the people even speculate that the issue of Somaliland istied with the stability of southern Somalia, and the union will be back when the rest of the south becomes stable.

 

As a matter of fact, there are many reasons why Somaliland reclaimed its independence by breaking its partnership, but in my personal view, I would only focus on two important reasons:

 

One, British Somaliland voluntarily entered a union with Italian Somaliland in pursuit of irredentist dream of “Greater Somalia” (including parts of Ethiopia, Kenya and Djibouti). It was very clear to everybody in both regions that it was never intended to stop with the union of the two regions, but to pursue the other three remaining regions.

That dream, therefore, effectively died when Djibouti got its independence in 1977 and decided to go alone without joining the existing union. If Djibouti people had the freedom to make that choice, it is only fair that the people of Somaliland can make a similar choice to over their fate.

 

The main argument here is that the Somali union in 1960 did not achieve the reason for which it had been formed which was a greater Somalia, and Somaliland’s voluntary union at that time was based on that. And if that dream did not materialize, Somaliland could go it alone like the other regions did where Somalis live including Djibouti, Kenya and Ethiopia.

 

Two, Somalilanders decided to break from the south because of the suffering and injustices that the people of Somaliland endured for 31 years of marriage. They suffered at the hands of southern governments particularly during Barre’s 21-year rule. The whole world knows that those governments even bombarded Somaliland cities. Therefore, it is a trust issue.

If you had a business partnership with another person and you have suffered and lost everything, and you re-start your business, would you again create another partnership with that person? It is fair to say that the people of Somaliland have a trust issue with their brothers in the south, and will not join them again despite a lack of recognition by the international community.

 

Most Somalilanders, who only know Somaliland because they were either young or born after Somaliland re-took its independence in 1991, would tell you that if there was such a southern domination in the past, it is certainly history, and only refers to unity in the past tense.

 

It is important to note that AU sent a fact-finding mission to Somaliland in 2005 in order to respond to the concern that Somaliland recognition would create a fragmentation of Somalia, or other AU member states. The AU fact-finding mission concluded that the case should not be linked to the notion of “opening a Pandora box”. The report recommended that AU “should find a special method of dealing with this outstanding case” as soon as possible.

 

Unfortunately, AU actions stopped there. Why can’t we Africans decide for ourselves, while Europeans are doing so and the EU is leading the way? I hope I can one day be proud of our African leaders through the AU leadership when I see that they are taking a far sighted approach like the EU in Kosovo.

 

The more the African Union delays in dealing with the Somaliland case, the more it makes the situation in East Africa difficult, and risk a war, and, even equally importantly, the more the AU credibility is put into question. Somaliland’s case is a time bomb that the AU and the international community could not really afford to ignore.

 

On the other hand, Somaliland’s multi-party democracy system is rarity in Africa and the Muslim world, and the AU needs to seriously consider Somaliland’s formal application of AU membership to reward the people’s choice. Somaliland is a state where the power truly belongs to the people and facts are there for everyone to see.

 

Jamal Ali Hussein, The author is current presidential candidate during 2015 for UCID party in Somaliland.

Ethiopian Prime Minister’s Speech On Somaliland On The 18th May 2013: Why Should Ethiopia Think Regional Solution Is Panacea To The Regional Problems?

Ethiopian Prime Minister H. E. Hailemariam Desalegn

I would like take this opportunity to thank the Ethiopian Prime Minister for his support and solidarity to our country as he spelled out in his eloquent speech to the Ethiopian Parliament on the 18th May 2013. His speech coincided on the 22nd anniversary Independence Day encompassed with a stark warning to the international community that the horn of Africa can manage to deal with its own affairs.  Poignantly, the Prime Minister was elucidating that Somaliland has unacceptably waited too long for the world to resolve its status; and he vehemently demystified the regional leaders and the world remains stubborn to resolve the status of Somaliland. This will serve victory to terrorism and piracy in the horn of Africa with serious regional and international security implications.

For the Somalilanders, the support of the Prime Minister was a fresh impetus for the dream of the internationally recognised Somaliland ebbing closer after twenty two years of long wait.  Furthermore, the speech was a vindication that Ethiopia should not be betwixt and between to recognising Somaliland. In addition to that, his   speech was aimed at the international community in action to resolve the status of region is a time bomb that will not only engulf Somaliland but Ethiopia and beyond afield. The message of his Excellency Hailemariam Daselegn was that Ethiopia should not or could not be complacent to castrating Somaliland to its rightful existence as a nation.  In coinciding his speech on the day of Somaliland’s independence, his excellence, Ato Deselegn,  the message to international community meant that the region of the horn of Africa has now got the capacity to deal with its own affair, and prescribing policies and imposition of decision have for long gone. In short, the speech explicates, Ethiopia as the super power of the region, will step in and take ownership and bring in a regional solution to the case of the long outstanding Somaliland quest for independence. With this regards,   it means Ethiopia should not be deluded into believing that the international inference is a panacea to the region problem. If Somaliland failed to exist, it would insinuate insecurity in the region where evil forces have been trying to get afoot. Regional solution to the regional issues with Ethiopia taking a lead role will pre-empty the insecurity adversaries that threaten the stability and the security of the region.

Furthermore, the speech of the Ethiopian Prime minster was a call upon international community to resolve the status of the Somaliland.  As over twenty years, Somaliland has produced thousands of youths of school leavers and university graduates who have ended up unemployed and with no opportunities. In denying opportunities to Somaliland youths to fulfil their dream by withholding international recognition bound to constructing them to destitution, hopelessness and violation of their basic human rights to live in decent live. This is a critical conjecture for the region as whole that if our diligent hard work are not rewarded in return for full international recognition, it will in turn be paid at a hefty price missing this opportunity and handing in to terrorism and piracy. Today, in streets of all major towns, thousands of Somaliland trained and educated youths are unemployed. In escaping from poverty and hopelessness, Somaliland’s youth have started risking their lives to seas to reach Europe to escape poverty and those who remained in the country are being exploited by those with terrorism agendas. The prime minister of Ethiopian was cognisant of the situation of Somaliland and his speech coincided with the 22nd anniversary of Somaliland was a dire warning to the international community to be ashamed of predisposing Somaliland to fail.

His Excellency, the Prime Minister, Ato Deseleigm, as a progressive leader committed to trying to finding regional solutions to regional problems. With this in mind, international recognition will mean Somaliland get access to international financial assistance for loans to develop and to have the legal contractual capacity requirements to form contracts to tape in its natural resources.  With this, thousands of Somalilanders should have the opportunity to fulfil their dreams to work in their country and contribute the development and economic growth of their country and to the wider region.

Nevertheless, the Ethiopian Prime Ministers support to Somaliland came a time when it was needed; a friend’s help at most.  Somaliland has always seen Ethiopia as their closest friend in the region and indebt to Ethiopia people for welcoming into their country when the late Somalia’s dictator bombarded all the major towns and massacred tens of thousands of civilians. And thousands   succumbed to diseases and hundreds of thousands are being forced fleeing into Ethiopia. Equally, Somaliland has always seen Ethiopian, as their brethren, and when the late Ethiopian Prime minister, Ato Meles Zenawi passed away, Somalilanders were shocked and sent their condolences to Ethiopian government to have shown that they were shoulder to shoulder with Ethiopians at difficult time. At the time, I wrote letters below to the Ethiopian authority expressing my deepest shock at the loss of a great leader:

http://www.somalilandlive.com/view.php?id=1501

http://oodweynenews.com/v1/2012/07/get-well-soon-letter-to-the-ethiopian-prime-minister-ato-meles-zenawi-by-ahmed-abdi-isse.html

Finally, I will kindly request the Ethiopian prime minster and his government to recognise Somaliland with immediate effect as a local solution will spare Ethiopia and Somaliland into economic and security crisis. Both countries could not avoid the hard work of economic growth and prosperity reversed back into the dark ages. I am sure regional solution by far will emulate than seeking a hand out solutions from the outside world, and the Ethiopian Prime Minster understands fully the region has come to stage to resolve the Somaliland status. Somalilanders are pleased with the Prime Minister’s concern and support he has shown to Somaliland and will request from him to go further than words and recognise Somaliland for the sake of our regional stability and prosperity. In doing so, his name will forever be remembered by Somaliland and will bring the relationship between Ethiopia and Somaliland closer than ever before.

Ahmed Abdi Isse, BSc (hons) and Msc in Social Science

NB: This letter was sent to:

Somaliland president via Somaliland mission to London;

Ethiopian Prime Minister via Ethiopian Embassy in London; and

Somaliland general public via Somaliland media.

African Union jubilee Proclamation aims at rapid continental transformation - Dlamini Zuma

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia - African Union (AU) Commission Chairperson Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma Wednesday called upon Africa’s leadership to provide a mission framework that will result in rapid change, sustained effort and united action by a united Africa.

The Commission Chairperson made the call at the opening of the 23rd Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council, which is considering the draft Proclamation on the 50th anniversary of the continental body and Agenda 2063 that will be adopted in January 2014.

She said the draft Proclamation 'frames our key objectives for the next five decades around the themes  of African identity and renaissance, integration, social and economic development, peace and security, democratic governance, self-reliance and Africa’s place in the world'.

‘’In each of these areas,’’ Dr. Dlamini Zuma said, ‘’the Proclamation must spell out our continental mission and strategic objectives for the next 50 years.’’

The draft has inputs from various sectors, including civil society, the African youth assembly, the business forum, the women and academics. It will ultimately be completed by Heads of State and Government at their forthcoming Summit here.

On preparation of the draft, Dr. Dlamini Zuma said: ‘’We have taken the general approach that we must be bold and give a clear message to our people that as Africa, we can and will change our situation, that we can and will take charge of our destiny. ‘’

Underlining the importance of confidence in the people and their ability to make change happen, the Commission Chairperson said Africa’s leaders, member states of the AU and its organs, regional economic communities, civil society and the Diaspora must commit 'to work resolutely to forge development paths that suit Africa.’’

During its two-day session, the Council will go through reports prepared for the Summit and the anniversary celebrations, including approval of amendments to the Third Strategic Plan of the AUC (2014-2017) and the budget for fiscal 2014.

Dr. Dlamini Zuma reminded the Council members that during their 12th extraordinary session in April 2013, each AU member state was handed the OAU/AU anniversary torch to galvanise and mobilise people behind pan-Africanism, and involve them in the discussions around Agenda 2063.

A number of member states have since taken the torch to kick-start their own anniversary activities, which will go on for one year.

Pana 22/05/2013

Press Statement on the Celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Establishment of the Organization of African Unity/African Union

Press Release
Fifty years ago, the Organization of African Unity (OAU) was established with the cardinal objective of promoting the unity, solidarity and cooperation of African States to achieve a better life for the peoples of Africa. Since its inception, the OAU has not only contributed to the total liberation of Africa from the vestiges of colonialism and apartheid but also has provided a unique framework for Africa's collective action. However, in light of the changing global order and the need to accelerate Africa's integration, member States felt it necessary to transform the OAU into the African Union. The African Union is no doubt playing a crucial role in addressing the multifaceted challenges confronting our continent and raising Africa's profile on the world stage.

Next year will mark the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the OAU. This will certainly offer a unique opportunity to pay special tribute to the generation of Pan-Africanists and the founding fathers of the OAU, who in their wisdom and foresight, laid a solid foundation for the unity and solidarity of Africa. Indeed, this will be a time to reflect on Africa's journey over the last five decades and celebrate the unique role played by the OAU in the liberation of Africa from the yoke of colonialism and Apartheid as well as its invaluable contribution towards the objective of achieving unity in our continent. It is also a time to look forward with great hope and optimism for the fulfillment of Africa's aspiration for peace, democracy, development and unity and, hence, reaffirm the collective determination of member States for the realization of Africa's renaissance.

In cognizance of this historic milestone, the 16th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which was held from 30-31 January 2011, decided that the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the OAU/AU shall be celebrated in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on 25 May 2013. In this regard, the Assembly requested the African Union Commission to make the necessary arrangements for this celebration in close collaboration with Ethiopia and member States of the African Union.

Similarly, the 18th ordinary session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union, which was held from 29-30 January 2012, also declared 2013 as the Year of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance. The Assembly encouraged member States and Regional Economic Communities (RECs) to organize various events in close coordination with the African Union Commission to celebrate the Year of Pan-Africanism and enhance the awareness of the new generation of Africans about the ideals of Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.

As host to the Headquarters of the then OAU and now the African Union, the celebration of the 50th Anniversary has a special significance for Ethiopia. Accordingly, the Ethiopian government has established a National Organizing Committee (NOC) tasked with the responsibility of organizing the celebration event. The NOC is composed of all the relevant stakeholders including sectoral ministries, state owned enterprises, Chambers of Commerce, Labor Union and a number of other professional associations. The national organizing committee has in turn set up seven sub-committees in charge of coordinating the major tasks to be undertaken to colorfully celebrate the event. The National Organizing Committee has so far held eight sessions and has managed to lay down the ground work for the celebration of the 50th Anniversary.

In line with the decision of the African Union, the NOC will closely work with the Commission and African Embassies accredited to the African Union to mark this historic event. Therefore, the NOC would like to call upon all sections of the society to contribute their share in building up the momentum towards the celebration of the 50th Anniversary with great pomp and enthusiasm.

Source: Ethiopian Ministery of Forieng Affairs

Nyerere remembered as pioneer of democracy in Africa

Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere

By Hassan Abbas
The Father of the Nation, Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, has ones again received resounding acclamation for his role in establishing good governance and democracy not only in Tanzania but also across the continent.

The commendations were aired during the opening of a two-day round table discussion to reflect on the 10th anniversary of the APRM, achievements and shortfalls.

It is at that convention that African leaders were challenged to promote democracy and good governance even as the African Union (AU) celebrates its 50 years golden anniversary and its brain child, the governance assessment Mechanism (APRM), marks 10 years of its existence. Two African governance activists, the CEO of the APRM continental office, Assefa Shifa, and the former Mozambican president, Joachim were keynote speakers at the event.

In his presentation on progress made in improving governance in Africa, Shifa cited Mwalimu Julius Kambarage Nyerere of Tanzania as one of the few African leaders who ever descended from power on their own volition.

He did acknowledge other leaders like Joachim Chissano of Mozambique and Nelson Mandela of South Africa who like Nyerere, also stepped down from their leadership positions. Former President Chissano, who offered a keynote address to the gathering of more than 100 African experts and political leaders’ noted that the African continent, once accused of having imperial presidents was now making significant strides in democratisation and respect to constitutional and term limits.

Reminiscing how his own people protested when he announced his step down, he argued that term limit and respect for good governance values were the heart of the AU and APRM cherished values but that the ground situation in isolated countries has tainted the whole continent.

“My personal view of the state of governance and democratization in Africa is that against the backdrop of imperial presidents and hegemony leaders, the wave of democratisation is now too high for such practices,” said Chissano a recipient of the prestigious Mo Ibrahim Governance Award.

He expressed his optimism that with the APRM, Africa has now a unique opportunity to address governance issues with a Pan-African solidarity.
He said the design of the APRM makes it possible for African countries to treat each other like members of the same family. He accredited the APRM with the decline of forcedly hoisted leaders.

“With democratisation in Africa and APRM advocacy among other interventions, Africans today must act and feel like brothers and sisters … military coups are now sporadic as those who continue to ascend to power unconstitutionally are clearly aware that they will be denounced,” he said.

The former leader called upon the current African leaders to strengthen the Mechanism to become a premier assessment Mechanism for governance in Africa so as to cherish the dream of AU founders who longed for a more prosperous Africa.
SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

Somalia: A Terrorist-Piracy Nexus?

Co-authored with Joseph Szyliowicz, a professor at the Josef Korbel School of International Studies, University of Denver.

Piracy, like terrorism has been a scourge of mankind for centuries and, though its practitioners, real (Blackbeard, Anne Bonny and Henry Morgan) and mythical (Captain Jack Sparrow in the Pirates of the Caribean movie stories) have achieved heroic stature in popular culture, its contemporary manifestations represent a major threat to the global economy and to national security.

Significant strides have been made in recent years towards combating piracy, especially off the coast of Somalia, but a robust international grand strategy is urgently needed in order to forestall an ever more dangerous global threat as pirates develop ever more sophisticated organizational structures, many of which are already linked to criminal gangs and even, in some cases to terrorist groups.

Their activities already impose heavy financial and human costs not only on the maritime industry but also on the countries from which they operate. Heretofore, the area around Somalia has been the most dangerous area but significant progress has been made in reducing piracy there. Last year, pirates succeeded in capturing 13 vessels, compared to 49 in 2010 and 28 in 2011, according to the International Maritime Organization (IMO). Part of that success can at least be partially explained by the European Union's heavy naval presence around the Horn of Africa, in the Gulf of Aden while improving intelligence sharing with NATO, the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), and the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) Piracy Reporting Center. Additional measures implemented by shipping companies such as providing more armed security aboard merchant vessels while securing the ship's perimeter with razor or barbed wire have also led to the significant decrease in the number of piracy attacks. Equally important, however, was the 2009 implementation of the Djibouti Code of Conduct, a code concerning the repression of piracy and armed robbery against ships. Under the code, aside from committing themselves to abiding by various counter-piracy United Nations Security Council Resolutions, the signatories also pledged to overhaul their domestic counter-piracy legislation. As a result, a record number of pirates were sentenced by local courts around the world last year.

The significance of these developments should not, however, be overstated. First, the cost remains enormous -- in 2011, it is estimated that Somali piracy cost the global economy an estimated 7 billion USD through higher insurance premiums, security enhancements, and business disruption and earned the pirates some 160 million USD in ransoms. These figures do not include the psychological burdens borne by the captives or the costs imposed on Somalia. And, the actual costs are probably even higher due to widespread underreporting. Second, while piracy off the coast of Somalia has decreased, pirates are gradually focusing their efforts where patrols are not available for protection, now operating in the wider Indian Ocean. As pirates are extending their reach from Oman to the Maldives, they have also proven to be excellent entrepreneurs, building large well-financed organizations that are able to execute ever more sophisticated attacks such as hijacking oil tankers off the coast of Nigeria and stealing the valuable cargo. Moreover, pirate groups are becoming increasingly international and are extending their reach from national bases to neighbors -- from Nigeria, for example to Benin and the Ivory Coast, usually in cooperation with powerful local elements.

Economically speaking, piracy already presents an enormous challenge and it is conceivable that as pirates face stiffer resistance on the high seas by an increasingly stronger international naval presence, their political and ideological motivations could radicalize over time. Currently, terrorist groups already cooperate with criminal gangs to raise funds and piracy could potentially become a lucrative source of income for radical groups. A second plausible scenario is that as pirates struggle to capture more ships, pirates could resort to attacking shipping directly as criminal motivations could subside to radical ideology propagated by al Qaeda and its splinter groups.

Hence, it is easy to envision a nightmare scenario wherein terrorists, supported by a pirate group, hijack an oil tanker not just to steal the oil or collect the ransom but to blow it up in a major port with devastating economic consequences across the globe. A separate threat scenario that should not be underestimated entails terrorists capturing a liquefied natural gas carrier that can be used as a floating bomb, which can either be detonated at a major port or near a flotilla of ships in the open seas. Piracy and terrorism can also be used as means to exert economic warfare against the United States and the international community as maritime attacks offer terrorists an alternate means of causing mass economic destabilization. After all, terrorists have already attacked ships -- al Qaeda, the USS Cole (2000), Abu Sayyaf a ferryboat in the Philippines (2004) and the Mumbai attacks (2008).

Although only limited evidence exists at present for such a prospect, the piracy issue must be viewed as more than an economic problem.

This is particularly relevant for the Somalia case where the Al Shabaab terrorist group is known to have links to al Qaeda. Although, at present, such factors as clan differences and the pirates' business orientation have precluded any cooperation with Al Shabaab, a scenarios where Al Shabaab mounts a transnational attack by sea can easily be imagined.

Hence, though significant strides have been made towards quelling piracy in recent years, a broad approach that focuses on defeating piracy networks on land as well as on the seas is urgently needed. Such a strategy should be carried out in conjunction with international security cooperation that places greater emphasis on socio-economic development in order to deal with the underlying political and economic factors. The cost of neglecting a robust development strategy for Somalia could potentially be devastating for East Africa and beyond; failure to do so could also undermine the region's trading ability, at the expense of radical groups potentially seeking to capitalize on economic devastation brought by piracy.

As a first step in that strategy, we propose that Somalia be strengthened through soft policies that allow for stronger institutions, which include building a capable coast guard, and training local forces to take responsibility for their own security. In such an effort, initiatives spearheaded by the U.S. and such organizations as the African Union and Arab League and regional partners such as Kenya and Ethiopia are sorely needed. Efforts should be made to promote economic development by building a well-functioning central government beyond Mogadishu's premises. Diplomatically speaking, the Somali government also needs to be boosted. Moreover, drawing upon the Arab states' close geographical proximity and deep historical ties to Somalia, members of the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Islamic Development Bank could play a lead role in funding urgently needed development initiatives while at the same time strengthening partnerships with tribal leaders across Somalia.

Failure to implement stabilizing measures for Somalia could also significantly hurt U.S. economic interests as it is estimated that nearly 20 percent of all international seaborne freight in any given year end up in the United States. By implementing a comprehensive strategy for Somalia, Washington will inevitably protect its economic interests by helping to secure the world's oceanic environment. It is therefore a welcoming sign that Washington is considering re-establishing a formal U.S. diplomatic presence in Somalia. However, this is only a first step; the U.S. should exercise stronger leadership in combating piracy throughout the world.

Follow Sigurd Neubauer on Twitter: www.twitter.com/SigiMideast

"We Will Defend Somaliland," Says Ethiopian PM Hailemariam Desalegn

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared bi-partisan support for Somaliland in the case of military action against the threat from neighboring Somalia and other external militants such as al Shabaab.
The Prime Minister delivered the keynote speech this weekend in the Ethiopian Parliament in front of Ethiopian legislators.

Mr. Desalegn specified that Ethiopia is ready to provide diplomatic, military, and economic support to Somaliland "should they need it".

He underlined the long bilateral relationship between the two Horn of African states saying Somaliland and Ethiopia cooperate on many fields including security, economy and education.

He told the Ethiopian lawmakers that he recently dispatched more than a dozen directors and chairman to Somaliland as a part of a high-level technical committee that will study ways to enhance relations. He said he wants to expand existing ties to reflect on the modern geopolitics of the region.

The Prime Minister hopes the two sides will soon sign an official bilateral strategic cooperation agreement. The technical committee has been doing its studies for the past three years. Last year the gathering was held in the Ethiopian chartered city of Dire Dawa and this year in the Somaliland capital Hargeysa.

"Somaliland is a friend and a key strategic ally for Ethiopia. We will spare no expense to defend and protect Somaliland. We are ready to extend an arm of support to our Somaliland brothers every time they are in need of one," he told the Parliamentarians.

He said that the Ethiopian armed forces were ready to fight along side those from Somaliland and offer them technical support as well as training. He said he was wary of militants from Somalia who are spurring out off that country due to military pressure from the African Union troops (AMISOM).

He did not specify if Ethiopia would support Somaliland forces against armed forces from Somalia but he has indicated Addis Ababa will spare no expense to ensure the existence of Somaliland. He strongly emphasized that his government will standby Somaliland against any threat from "any direction".

This is the first time one of the key nations in East Africa has openly offered its direct support for Somaliland since ending its bitter marriage with Somalia two decades ago.

The keynote speech by Mr. Desalgn comes during time when there is diplomatic rift between Hargeysa and the internationally recognized but powerless government in Mogadishu.

Equally it coincides with Somaliland's 22nd anniversary of Independence from the rest of Somali Republic.

His message has received overwhelming support throughout Somaliland and residents have welcomed PM Desalegn's strong support. Somalilanders consider Ethiopia the closest ally and their ties traces back to more than 300 years.

It was just weeks ago when Prime Minister Desalegn received the Somaliland President Ahmed Sillanyo at his official residence in Addis Ababa.

The two heads of State concurred on the enhancement of security, education and commercial ties.

"Somaliland and Ethiopia share cordial relations of which we are determined to not only sustain but enhance as well," President Sillanyo told Somaliland and Ethiopian reporters.

On his part, Prime Minister Hailemariam, expressed Ethiopia's interest in fostering stronger relations with Somaliland based on mutual benefit.

He said "Ethiopia is ready to further bolster its relations with Somaliland administration in the areas of trade, education, capacity building and port services."

He also underscored that Ethiopia will extend support to Somaliland in order to ensure that Al-Shabaab forces who are fleeing from Somalia will not pose a threat to Somaliland.

Source: Ethiopian Review

Somalia President Addresses Somaliland Separatism, Jubaland Formation

Mogadishu — The president of Somalia's federal government Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed major national issues including Somaliland separatism while speaking at the opening ceremony of a new center for orphans in Mogadihsu, Garowe Online reports.

President Hassan's comments on Somaliland coincided with May 18, as the separatist region in northwestern Somalia celebrated 22 years since unilaterally declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.
"Somalia unity is a must and I call upon our brothers in Somaliland to swallow their ambition [for independent nationhood]," said President Hassan, at the opening ceremony of the new orphan center named Anadol and built by Turkish aid agencies.

"We wish no conflict with our brothers in Somaliland and we are ready to strengthen the unity of Somalia, to compromise over the past grievances and we are committed to peacefully seeking the unity of Somalia," said President Hassan.

On Jubaland:
Speaking about Jubaland, in his first public comments since Jubaland President Ahmed Mohamed Islam (Madobe) was elected by convention delegates on may 15, President Hassan said: "The Kismayo Conference [for Jubaland formation] is what we warned against. It is now clear that Conference was excluded certain groups from the political process."

Continuing, President Hassan said: "We are not against federal system in Somalia. The [Federal] Government has prepared a plan to implement federalism in Somalia. I call on the Jubaland communities to work with the Federal Government to establish regional administrations, in line with the Federal Constitution, as the Federal Government is responsible for the whole country. Al Shabaab must be removed from parts of Jubaland regions, so the people may live in peace."

President Hassan's public comments on Jubaland come on the same day a delegation from Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), a regional bloc, is visiting Kismayo and meeting with Jubaland's new leaders.

Some sources have accused the Somali Federal Government of secretly backing the surprise self-declaration of former Kismayo warlord Col. Barre Hirale, who declared himself 'Jubaland president' moments after the Jubaland convention elected Ahmed Madobe.

Under Somalia's federal constitution, states form voluntarily with the backing of local communities. The Jubaland conference has been underway in Kismayo for the past eight months, featuring tough negotiations for the future political balance in the Jubaland regions of southern Somalia.

Somalia's federal government, however, has rejected the Jubaland state formation process and its outcome, which enjoys support from Jubaland communities who partook in the convention in Kismayo.
GAROWE ONLINE

Somaliland: “Ethiopia Shall Defend Somaliland to the Hilt” PM Desalegn

"Somaliland is a friend and a key strategic ally for Ethiopia. PM Desalegn to defend SomalilandWe will spare no expense to defend and protect Somaliland. We are ready to extend an arm of support to our Somaliland brothers every time they are in need of one," PM Desalegn

Somalilandsun- Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn declared bi-partisan support for Somaliland in the case of military action against the threat from neighboring Somalia and other external militants such as al Shabab reports the Ethiopian reveiw.

The Prime Minister delivered the keynote speech this weekend in the Ethiopian Parliament in front of Ethiopian legislators.

Mr. Desalegn specified that Ethiopia is ready to provide diplomatic, military, and economic support to Somaliland "should they need it".

He underlined the long bilateral relationship between the two Horn of African states saying Somaliland and Ethiopia cooperate on many fields including security, economy and education.

He told the Ethiopian lawmakers that he recently dispatched more than a dozen directors and chairman to Somaliland as a part of a high-level technical committee that will study ways to enhance relations. He said he wants to expand existing ties to reflect on the modern geopolitics of the region.

The Prime Minister hopes the two sides will soon sign an official bilateral strategic cooperation agreement. The technical committee has been doing its studies for the past three years. Last year the gathering was held in the Ethiopian chartered city of Dire Dawa and this year in the Somaliland capital Hargeisa.
"Somaliland is a friend and a key strategic ally for Ethiopia. We will spare no expense to defend and protect Somaliland. We are ready to extend an arm of support to our Somaliland brothers every time they are in need of one," he told the Parliamentarians.

He said that the Ethiopian armed forces were ready to fight along side those from Somaliland and offer them technical support as well as training. He said he was wary of militants from Somalia who are spurring out off that country due to military pressure from the African Union troops (AMISOM).

He did not specify if Ethiopia would support Somaliland forces against armed forces from from Somalia but he has indicated Addis Ababa will spare no expense to ensure the existence of Somaliland. He strongly emphasized that his government will standby Somaliland against any threat from "any direction".

This is the first time one of the key nations in East Africa has openly offered its direct support for Somaliland since ending its bitter marriage with Somalia two decades ago.

The keynote speech by Mr. Desalgn comes during time when there is diplomatic rift between Hargeisa and the internationally recognized but powerless government in Mogadishu.

Equally it coincides with Somaliland's 22nd anniversary of Independence from the rest of Somali Republic.
President Silanyo (L) with PM Desalegn in EthiopiaHis message has received overwhelming support throughout Somaliland and residents have welcomed PM Desalegn's strong support. Somalilanders consider Ethiopia the closest ally and their ties traces back to more than 300 years.

It was just weeks ago when Prime Minister Desalegn received the Somaliland President Ahmed Silanyo at his official residence in Addis Ababa.




The two heads of State concurred on the enhancement of security, education and commercial ties.
"Somaliland and Ethiopia share cordial relations of which we are determined to not only sustain but enhance as well," President Silanyo told Somaliland and Ethiopian reporters.

On his part, Prime Minister Hailemariam, expressed Ethiopia's interest in fostering stronger relations with Somaliland based on mutual benefit.

He said "Ethiopia is ready to further bolster its relations with Somaliland administration in the areas of trade, education, capacity building and port services."

He also underscored that Ethiopia will extend support to Somaliland in order to ensure that Al-Shabaab forces who are fleeing from Somalia will not pose a threat to Somaliland.