Petition Tag - somaliland

Why support Somaliland independence ?

First and foremost, it is important to recollect that, after achieving independence from British colonial rule on June 26, 1960, Somaliland was duly recognized as a sovereign entity by the United Nations and thirty-five countries, including the United States.

Somalilanders rightfully note that they voluntarily joined a union after independence, and that, under international law, they should (and do) have the right to abrogate that union.

The future of Somaliland rests in hands of its people, and we know that Somalilanders voted for independence on 18th May 1991 followed by referendum.

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Somaliland is a former British protectorate in the East coast of Africa that shares borders with Somalia, Djibouti and Ethiopia. It was granted independence on 26th June 1960 and shortly after entered in union with neighbouring Somalia.

From there, the union turned out to be disastrous for Somaliland and it's citizens who were subjected to unfair and unjust practices by the nation it united with culminating in a brutal genocide of Somalilanders with some 500,000 civilians being killed in campaign of indiscriminate air bombardments (carefully disguised from the world) and by other similar cowardly acts employed by the regime. A regime which was headed and dominated by brutal characters that hailed from south Somalia, the former Italian colony Somaliland united with. Almost every Somalilander that managed to survive this terrible ordeal became a refugee at the time and all the major cities of Somaliland like Burco, Hargeisa, Berbera, Erigavo where flattened to the ground and became empty ghost towns with just rubble from the destruction remaining and every survivor fledding to neighbouring Ethiopia or beyond.

This prompted an organisation called the Somali National movement (SNM), composed of Somalilanders, to carry out an armed struggle against the brutal regime. Fortunately, they succeeded in toppling the brutal oppressors and in May 1991, Somaliland withdrew from the union with Somalia and declared restoration of it's sovereignty.

Since that time, a UN observed referendum which saw 97% of the population expressing support for an independent Somaliland was held. A civilian government made, a constitution drafted, democratic elections were held, Somaliland's economy has seen a year on year growth and the country has been making progress which hasn't gone unnoticed by the international community who acknowledge it with titles such as "Africa's best kept secret" amongst others.

Sadly though, the international community so far fails to grant Somaliland the full de jure diplomatic recognition that it's rightfully entitled to since Somaliland is a nation that chooses to restore its sovereignty after withdrawing from a bad union.

It's therefore imperative that bodies like the UN and the African union to respond appropriately and take a leading role in rectifying this injustice against Somaliland and its people who want to leap forward but are being hampered by the lack of recognition.

So please sign the petition and help Somaliland get the justice and response it deserves from the rest of the world.

Thank you for your favourable responses and Long live Somaliland, democracy, freedom and all the ideals it stands for.

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If you disagree with the petition supporting the removal of Rayale, feel free to support Rayale.

Mr. Rayale's achievements:

1- He is a neutral man when it comes to other tribal affairs.
2-If Rayale leaves office, there maybe renewed civil war in Somaliland?
3-Mr. Rayale maintains the peace in the region.

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Mr. Rayale's policies have divided Awdal communities and we can not accept them anymore. Appointing corrupted public servants, censoring the media and arresting Journalists and new political leaders; banning dissent voices and even interfering Amoud University's internal affairs to encourage (sub-clan) patronage system. Over-harvesting and selling Saylac fish for his personal benefit.

The list of bad political records is long and must stop now or he must face impeachment and no-re-election.

Mr. Rayale's missed opportunities:

1-Being a just Ruler(Hogaamiye Caadil ah), not a divider.

2-Building the roads between Awdal Cities such as Baki and Borama; Baki and Lughaya; Borama and Dilla; Borama and Saylac...etc.

3-And Supporting the needy, not his close family members only.

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The Government of South Africa, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma recently commissioned a Report to whether to recognize the northern region of Somalia (Somaliland) as sovereign state.In the Report, law advisers from the South African Department of Foreign Affairs support somalilands argument for independence. As the Report writes “It is undeniable that Somaliland does indeed qualify for statehood, and it is incumbent upon the international community to recognise it.”

The South African government lawyers agree that “any efforts to deny or delay would not only put the international community at the risk of ignoring the most stable region in the Horn [of Africa], it would impose untold hardship upon the people of Somaliland due to the denial of foreign assistance that recognition entails.”

The South African government law advisers pondering about the practicability of bestowing sovereignty to Somaliland wrote: “The interest of world peace and stability require that, where possible, the division or fragmentation of existing states should be managed peacefully and by negotiation. But where this is not possible, as is the case with Somalia, international law accepts that the interests of justice may prevail over the principle of territorial integrity,”

If the Minister heeds this advice it will lead to the creation of five (5) Somali Bantustan-like countries; Somaliland and Punt land to name just but two. The advice given to the South African government is contrary to the UN, Africa Union, Arab league, Non Allied Movement, of which South Africa is a member, categorically say “that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia is sacrosanct.”

Hence closing the floodgate of Bantustans in Somalia and its ripple effect in other African countries. If the Minister accept such advice, the move will undoubtedly undermine the South African propelled African Renaissances and the NEPAD initiative that many Africans see as the only hope for Africa and Africans.

We urgently urge the Minister and the ANC Government not to heed this advice which will reintroduce tribal based fragmentation, ala apartheid, of the region through the backdoor.

We the undersigned Somalis and other Africans plead with the Minister and the ANC Government to reject the Bantustanization of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

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