By: Yusuf M Hasan
Somalilandsun- In comparison to Neighbouring Somalia , the yet to be recognized Somaliland is an imperfect island of stability amid conflict, achieved without external support as opposed to Somalia that has received $m in development and humanitarian aid as well as protection by an over 20,000 strong, AU force AMISOM, not to mention hosting a number of foreign boots purportedly on training missions.
According to Michael F. Harsch, Maximilian M. Meduna, Teresa Krug the United States is getting more involved in Somalia, the nation in the Horn of Africa that has been wrestling with violent conflict and political instability for nearly three decades. Since June, the United States has conducted multiple military operations against al-Shabab militants in the country, pledged $126 million in humanitarian assistance, and announced plans to reestablish permanent diplomatic representationin the capital in hopes of helping to stabilize the government.
In their joint piece published by the Washington post, the trio say that as the United Stars gets more involved in Somalia the lessons to success are from the Somaliland experience.
“Here’s the difference: Somalia’s central government has been propped up by foreign powers with military support and food aid. Somaliland, by contrast, has a decentralized political system that produces leaders who are respected and supported by its citizens. Instead of relying on international charity, Somaliland has relied on revenue generated by remittances and trade.
To know what the trio argue as pertains “what can the United States and the international community learn from Somaliland’s experience? Click to read their Washington Post piece titled “As the U.S. gets more involved in Somalia, beware these three fallacies”
