From President Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo
Somalilandsun – Increased international attention a
nd support for Somalia is both welcome and necessary. We hope that the Somalia conference makes a tangible difference, channelling more and smarter funds towards the development and security of our region.
Despite progress in Somalia to rebuild the shattered country, peace and a lasting political settlement remain some way off as Katrina Manson reports (“Leader appeals for new Marshall Plan for Somalia”, May 7). The damage and instability caused by the lack of governance for two decades will take time to repair.
This is in contrast to Somaliland, the autonomous state to the north of Somalia, which over the same period has held five separate elections, put in place functioning state institutions and been fully involved in international efforts to combat terrorism and piracy in the wider region. Yet these acknowledged successes and the meeting of criteria for statehood under international law have still not seen Somaliland recognised as an independent state.
We are pleased to see a government in Mogadishu starting to deliver for the people of Somalia. But Somaliland must not be forgotten. Lasting peace, security and prosperity in our region requires a resolution to the political independence of Somaliland.
Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo, President of Somaliland, Hargeisa, Somaliland
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