Hargeisa – Somaliland: – Beyond the pictorially staged and carefully
choreographed settings, If you closely looked at the nine precision points
agreed upon there was no new game changing development that has really been
introduced. Except the acknowledgement of the atrocities committed by the late
regime of Siyad Barre, nothing new was introduced on the table. Sure some may
say this was not a small feat, but still it is only one issues among many
contentions. The other main point that deserves a mention is the issue of air
travel control. Both sides agreed to form a four-member party (two from each
party) that will prepare the term of reference of the air travel control board.
I’m pleased that this
was added since last time Somalia was not able to live up to its previous
agreements of the air control. Of course, hardly is Somalia nor Somaliland able
to control their air space. Except in dividing equally the revenues collected,
I don’t see the big significance.
It is utmost important
that Somaliland takes note at the pace of the talks. My caution today concerns
the point of timing! We all agree diplomacy takes time, lots of time. But unfortunately,
the snail pace of these negotiations is unsurprisingly in favor of Federal
government of Somalia.
The biggest weapon in
their arsenal is TIME. And, sad to
say, most indication suggest that Somalia has nothing to lose in delaying to
address the issue of secession, since they are legitimately recognized as a
government hence they have no business in limbo. One might even suspect they
are just buying time to carve out a sphere of influence on Somaliland once they
get to sort out their ever-spiraling government. A time might come when Somalia
would be able to move vigorously diplomatically and gain a more leverage over
Somaliland. This said, Somaliland should explicitly demand that the next round
of talks address the elephant in the room.
No more should
Somaliland allow Somalia to treat the issue of secession as unwelcome burden!
Ultimately, moreover, if there is no assurance that exists in addressing this
issue, Somaliland should not reignite any more talks. Since the agendas have to
be set prior to meeting now, Somaliland shouldn’t reflexively assume they are
on the same page with their counterparts.
Crucially Somaliland citizens must not be allowed to perceive that the outcome of these talks without secession agenda on the table is an inch closer to achieving their noble goal of secession.
Somaliland authority
should express concern over the inability to convince Somalia to start real
negotiation. In the coming months, instead of recycling politicians in the
current administration the task should be to assemble a different group
including Somaliland willing scholars this time.
The current foreign
affairs minister of Somaliland Mr.Mohamed Bihi Yonis is a highly regarded
diplomat with ability to shape Somaliland foreign policy compared to his
predecessor! He seems to be a man of unsurpassed integrity and intelligence.
Even though diplomats see the world differently and with different priorities I
have faith in Somaliland foreign affairs minister!
In all fairness,
diplomacy calls for listening, respecting and understanding. For that we should
praise both sides for their temperament. In the realm of diplomatic possibilities
there is of course nothing impossible so let’s hope both sides get the courage
to move on forward!
Opinion Contributed
by: Nomadpilgrim – Original title – THE UNFINISHED JOURNEY OF SOMALIA
& SOMALILAND TALKS
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