It is sad to say, but the majority of commentators demonstrate a superficiality and childishness that rules out reasoned debate and civil exchange of views. This is a very negative reflection on the mentality and wisdom of the Somaliland Diaspora, and makes one grateful that social and political debate inside the country is so much more mature, thoughtful and therefore rewarding.
With respect to Abdale's article, it is well argued and touches upon important issues that are critical to both Somaliland's current situation and future success. As such, they merit a much better quality of discussion and debate than has been provided here.
Dr. Mohamed we can agree with your position as Somalilanders committed to our country and its quest for recognition. However, the lead must come from the government of the day, and while I welcome the conference you mention, it is the simple fact that this government has not yet clearly outlined its strategy and policy regarding the securing of recognition for Somaliland. Yet, it embarked upon attending this conference in London without any discussion or debate within Parliament or outside of it. Since Somaliland's attendance placed the country on the same footing at the conference as Galmudug and Puntland, which are autonomous regions that consciously remain part and parcel of Somalia, it is not only to be expected, but right and proper, for the people of Somaliland to be dismayed, shocked and even angry at the government for taking this retrograde step unilaterally.
By all means, let us work together for our country. But let the government put its cards on the table and let those who diminish our cause and case for recognition be admonished and punished for doing so. Otherwise, working together merely means 'agree with me right or wrong'.
Excellent article, Bashir. You said clearly what needed to be said and pointed out that the Kulmiye of opposition is most certainly not the Kulmiye of government. Knowing Silanyo, Gaboose et al, it is no surprise that they sold the people of Somaliland a false bill of goods. I would never buy a used car from these gentlemen, but then they are known to me - the Somaliland public is now starting to see their true colours.
This is an excellent editorial. As it said, those who use their control over the instruments of state power to massacre, torture, rape and arbitrarily imprison the very subjects whom they are supposed to serve must answer for their crimes in a court of law. There can be no forgiveness without accountability, without the grim truth being brought to light and the guilty accepting their culpability. The fact that the TFG is lobbying for dismissal of the case against Samatar is eloquent testimony to the bankruptcy, failure and irrelevance that define its actions and, indeed, its very existence. With a 'government' such as this, how can Somalia solve its problems and emerge from the dark abyss it has been plunged into for the last two decades? One can only pity the poor, ordinary people of that sorry country.
Concisely put and expressed with humanity & fraternity. Very good response Dalmar.
This piece is a very facile and superficial contribution to the discussion about the large and complex subject of 'African Statehood'. The author does not even raise the crucial and defining issues of self-determination, political consent and legitimacy, instead he seems fixated upon Col. Gaddafi and his political machinations. The subject of African Statehood and what it means in the context of Eritrea, Somaliland, Southern Sudan et al, deserves a more in-depth, intellectually rigorous and more scholarly approach than the somewhat pedestrian ruminations of Gaddafi's supposed motivations for some of his pronouncements that the author dishes up.
In short, Mr. Tacca has little of consequence to say on the issue of African Statehood, and the little that he does say is both inanne and irrelevant. We can only hope that his novels have more gravitas.
Muraara dilaac - I understand that you want to say something unkind about Somaliland and its people, but we can only understand you if write English or Somali. What you have written is unintelligible! As the Mad Mullah said to some southern villagers once, "Either talk to me in Somali or in the white man's language,". So please write your hate-speak in some intelligible language that we can understand, otherwise go to school and come back when you have mastered this ability.
"Live by the sword, die by the sword". The pirates are criminal gangs preying upon international shipping and each country has the right to fight these criminals with every means at their disposal. I find no fault with the Russian response - the pirates brought it on themselves. To the Somali apologists for the pirates, I say "grow up, the pirates are not romantic Robin Hoods, but criminal gangs controlled from by fatcat money-men based in Puntland which use their ill-gotten gains to fund terrorism, anarchy and tribalism thoughout Somalia, Somaliland and Ethiopia. I only wish that the fatcats would be similarly dealt with instead of these ignorant and mislead nomads that are seduced by dreams of easy money. All the other international navies present in the Indian Ocean should take their lead from the Russians and the French and deal with these pirates equally severley. Maybe then the scourge can be brought to an end.
Hello Hassan, Just a couple of corrections. Firstly, my father's name was Mohammed Ibrahim Egal. Secondly, while he was the Premier in power when Somaliland joined Somalia, he specifically advocated against the hasty union, and even suggested a 6-month 'cooling off' period before union with the south, so Somaliland could develop a clear set of conditions and guarantees securing our position in the new union. In the event, the people over-ruled him and his government and insisted upon immediate, unconditional union and he reluctantly delivered obeyed. This is a matter of public record. Ahmed
It is indeed heartening to see yet another monkey immigrant come to his homeland region. This brother needs to be protected and welcomed.
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Ruckus