Somaliland The Gateway to Art and Culture in Africa - (جمهورية صوماليلاند (أرض الصومال - Somaliland the Shining Sun of the Horn of Africa has operated as an Independent state for the last 21 years and has met international legal standards for “statehood”. What Somaliland lacks is formal recognition of its statehood and support possibly from Friendly States who believe in the spirit of progress for Africa.
Oct 24, 2011
Oct 23, 2011
Sep 22, 2011
This week in Somaliland: stories making headlines, first neurology clinic
Saturday, 12 March
Dr Essa Kayd and Dr. Sisay Gizaw (East Africa's leading neurologist)
Essa Kayd, a chief neurodiagnostic specialist of Somaliland origin based in Boston, U.S. announced he will be opening a state of the art Clinic for neurophysiology in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa.
The clinic will be a joint investment between Kayd and Ethiopia’s leading neurologist Dr. Sisay Gizaw from Addis Ababa Medical School. Kayd received his education in Ottawa University and Harvard Medical School. Mr. Kayd is the chief Neurodiagnostic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School in Boston. He occasionally travels to Africa to offer his time; gives training to leading doctors in the continent. He is also trains physicians at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Medical School. Brigham and Women’s Medical Hospital is ranked one of the top hospitals in the US by U.S. News & World Report Top Hospitals. He has been helping Addis Ababa’s main hospital for the past several months, where he noticed most of their patients were Somalis who had travelled miles for the treatment. He opened his first clinic in Addis Ababa early this year and plans to open one in Hargeisa in early April.
Before they open their clinic, the two doctors will be offering three day neurodiagnostics training at Edna Adan Hospital in Hargeisa. Interested individuals are advised to call Edna Hospital or contact Dr Essa Kayd Email: Kayd_1@hotmail.com.
Somalilandpress | 13 March 2011
Dr Essa Kayd and Dr. Sisay Gizaw (East Africa's leading neurologist)
Essa Kayd, a chief neurodiagnostic specialist of Somaliland origin based in Boston, U.S. announced he will be opening a state of the art Clinic for neurophysiology in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa.The clinic will be a joint investment between Kayd and Ethiopia’s leading neurologist Dr. Sisay Gizaw from Addis Ababa Medical School. Kayd received his education in Ottawa University and Harvard Medical School. Mr. Kayd is the chief Neurodiagnostic at Brigham and Women’s Hospital Harvard Medical School in Boston. He occasionally travels to Africa to offer his time; gives training to leading doctors in the continent. He is also trains physicians at Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Medical School. Brigham and Women’s Medical Hospital is ranked one of the top hospitals in the US by U.S. News & World Report Top Hospitals. He has been helping Addis Ababa’s main hospital for the past several months, where he noticed most of their patients were Somalis who had travelled miles for the treatment. He opened his first clinic in Addis Ababa early this year and plans to open one in Hargeisa in early April.
Before they open their clinic, the two doctors will be offering three day neurodiagnostics training at Edna Adan Hospital in Hargeisa. Interested individuals are advised to call Edna Hospital or contact Dr Essa Kayd Email: Kayd_1@hotmail.com.
Somalilandpress | 13 March 2011
Sep 20, 2011
Sep 19, 2011
Sep 18, 2011
Is there a country called “Somalia”? A Widespread Misconception
The Somali inhabited areas at the horn of Africa was called ‘Somal’ and ‘Beri Somal’ by the Arab traders from Arabian Peninsula before the Europeans arrived. However, the Europeans divided area into three parts – British Somaliland, French Somaliland and Italian Somalia.
The people of Somaliland (former British Somaliland) signed an agreement with British over its presence in Somaliland. The agreement renamed the territory ‘Somaliland British Protectorate’ similar status of the then South Yemen and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement included that British should leave Somaliland anytime the people ask to leave, which led peaceful departure of Englishmen. The new country named State of Somaliland for four days, in which State of Somaliland signed MoU and agreements with other nations including Britain; these agreements are archived today at UN. State of Somaliland enjoyed similar status of that of State of Kuwait during such four days.
French Somali Coast was called today’s Djibouti, but after public uprising against General De Gaulle of France, the area was renamed as “Issa and Afar Territory”. The word Somali name was removed from the name, as the majority of the revolutionists were originated from Somaliland. This triggered the anger of the General De Gaulle, who ordered deportation of the Somalis with Somaliland origins. After independence in 1977, the “Issa and Afar Territory” became Republic of Djibouti.
About the Italian Somaliland, Italy colonized using the people as slaves where the Somalis were used as human bridge over the wet streets of Mogadishu. It was reported that Italian colonizers use to walk on top of the Somalis to reach their cars at their residential parking areas in Mogadishu. It was the ugliest form of slavery. Italy destroyed the Islamic culture of the society and even intermarried.
Italy remained until defeated during Second World War, the territory became under the administration of British . On Nov. 21, 1949 UN General Assembly passed a resolution placing Italian Somaliland under UN Trusteeship for ten years(Italy was designated the administering country.) n 1956, Italy formed local administration for the Italian Somaliland and a new name “Italian Somalia” was introduced.
Part of the new name “Somalia” is originated from Latin, which means the land of Somalis.
Somalia consists of “Somal” and “ia”. The definition of a noun suffix “ia” among other applications is a name of place or territory in this case: Somal +ia means somal territory.
In accordance with UN decisions, Italian Somaliland, renamed “Somalia”, was granted internal autonomy in 1956 and independence in 1960. Britain proclaimed the end of its protectorate in June, 1960, and on July 1 the legislatures of the two new states created the Somali Republic.
What happened was that on the morning 1st July 1960, the members of the Somaliland Legislative and those of the “Somalia” Legislative met in a joint session and the Constitution which was drafted in “Somalia” was accepted on the basis of an acclamation, with no discussion and later a Provisional President was elected.
It was common practice to have land or “ia” after the name Somali; the Somali politicians of 1960 decided to omit these two suffixes, and Somali Republic was overwhelmingly accepted. In Somali language Somali Republic means (Jamhuuriyada Somaliyeed) and (Jamhuuriyada Somaliya) as some practice nowadays.
After fall of the unity government, in which State of Somaliland and “Italian Somalia” united, during 1991, Somaliland claimed back its sovereignty with all legal grounds. The international law permits such reclaim as long as the agreed government varnished.
Late President of Somaliland and Former Prime Minister of State of Somaliland in 1960 and Former Prime Minister of Somali Republic until 1969 military coup, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Egal gave detailed explanation on video about the name “Somalia” and how the Somali Republic were hijacked by southern Somalis. Refer the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DuYaDhDR9I&feature=related
All these historical highlights ensure the political gap between the people of Somaliland and that of “Somalia”. Although the people of both countries share language and religion but that is not enough to unite people, as we see many countries who share religion and language. Now both retained names before 1st July 1960 Somaliland and Somalia.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
Email: az.almutairi@yahoo.com
The people of Somaliland (former British Somaliland) signed an agreement with British over its presence in Somaliland. The agreement renamed the territory ‘Somaliland British Protectorate’ similar status of the then South Yemen and Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The agreement included that British should leave Somaliland anytime the people ask to leave, which led peaceful departure of Englishmen. The new country named State of Somaliland for four days, in which State of Somaliland signed MoU and agreements with other nations including Britain; these agreements are archived today at UN. State of Somaliland enjoyed similar status of that of State of Kuwait during such four days.
French Somali Coast was called today’s Djibouti, but after public uprising against General De Gaulle of France, the area was renamed as “Issa and Afar Territory”. The word Somali name was removed from the name, as the majority of the revolutionists were originated from Somaliland. This triggered the anger of the General De Gaulle, who ordered deportation of the Somalis with Somaliland origins. After independence in 1977, the “Issa and Afar Territory” became Republic of Djibouti.
About the Italian Somaliland, Italy colonized using the people as slaves where the Somalis were used as human bridge over the wet streets of Mogadishu. It was reported that Italian colonizers use to walk on top of the Somalis to reach their cars at their residential parking areas in Mogadishu. It was the ugliest form of slavery. Italy destroyed the Islamic culture of the society and even intermarried.
Italy remained until defeated during Second World War, the territory became under the administration of British . On Nov. 21, 1949 UN General Assembly passed a resolution placing Italian Somaliland under UN Trusteeship for ten years(Italy was designated the administering country.) n 1956, Italy formed local administration for the Italian Somaliland and a new name “Italian Somalia” was introduced.
Part of the new name “Somalia” is originated from Latin, which means the land of Somalis.
Somalia consists of “Somal” and “ia”. The definition of a noun suffix “ia” among other applications is a name of place or territory in this case: Somal +ia means somal territory.
In accordance with UN decisions, Italian Somaliland, renamed “Somalia”, was granted internal autonomy in 1956 and independence in 1960. Britain proclaimed the end of its protectorate in June, 1960, and on July 1 the legislatures of the two new states created the Somali Republic.
What happened was that on the morning 1st July 1960, the members of the Somaliland Legislative and those of the “Somalia” Legislative met in a joint session and the Constitution which was drafted in “Somalia” was accepted on the basis of an acclamation, with no discussion and later a Provisional President was elected.
It was common practice to have land or “ia” after the name Somali; the Somali politicians of 1960 decided to omit these two suffixes, and Somali Republic was overwhelmingly accepted. In Somali language Somali Republic means (Jamhuuriyada Somaliyeed) and (Jamhuuriyada Somaliya) as some practice nowadays.
After fall of the unity government, in which State of Somaliland and “Italian Somalia” united, during 1991, Somaliland claimed back its sovereignty with all legal grounds. The international law permits such reclaim as long as the agreed government varnished.
Late President of Somaliland and Former Prime Minister of State of Somaliland in 1960 and Former Prime Minister of Somali Republic until 1969 military coup, Mr. Mohamed Ibrahim Egal gave detailed explanation on video about the name “Somalia” and how the Somali Republic were hijacked by southern Somalis. Refer the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3DuYaDhDR9I&feature=related
All these historical highlights ensure the political gap between the people of Somaliland and that of “Somalia”. Although the people of both countries share language and religion but that is not enough to unite people, as we see many countries who share religion and language. Now both retained names before 1st July 1960 Somaliland and Somalia.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi
Email: az.almutairi@yahoo.com
Sep 16, 2011
Sep 15, 2011
Sep 14, 2011
Sep 12, 2011
Sep 9, 2011
Sep 8, 2011
Sep 6, 2011
Tannock Renews Call For Somaliland Independence At Meeting With Ethiopian Prime Minister
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, September 3, 2011 -- Ethiopia should take the lead and declare Somaliland - the former British protectorate breakaway region within the state of Somalia - an independent sovereign state, Charles Tannock MEP, European Conservatives and Reformists group foreign affairs spokesman, said today at a meeting in Addis Ababa with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Tannock said: "Somaliland is a relatively peaceful, stable and economically growing polity. It is a world away from the failed state of Somalia where the TFG's remit barely reaches beyond Mogadishu and which still faces the brutality of the Al-Shabaab insurgency and the serious challenge of piracy.”
Dr Tannock said that a stable and sovereign Somaliland would act as a powerful moderate neighboring partner to Ethiopia both economically and politically.
"Somaliland can be a partner for peace and prosperity to the Ethiopian people in an unsettled region. I hope that Prime Minister Zenawi will seriously consider taking the first step towards granting re-recognition of its sovereignty and independence. Somaliland is already effectively a functioning country and we owe it now the right to independent statehood" he added.
He argued that many other major African nations, the EU and the USA, would also eventually support independence, but not until a major African Union nation makes the first move.
"Western governments rightly do not yet feel empowered to declare Somaliland a sovereign nation without a clear declaration from a leading African nation. As the major force for stability, security and growth in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has the ability to give a lead on re-recognizing Somaliland independence, and I strongly believe that many other AU nations, and the EU and USA, would follow suit” Dr. Tannock said.
It is also important to remind the newly independent Republic of South Sudan of its stated commitment to recognize Somaliland in exchange for the longstanding help it gave Juba in its liberation struggle from Khartoum.
Historically Somaliland was very briefly independent in 1960 so it is legally a case of re-recognition rather than recognition after Hargeysa, much to its subsequent regret, joined the former Italian Somalia in the south for an unhappy marriage which lasted until 1991.
Somaliland is a moderate Islamic nation with a small cohesive population and which has strong economic prospects with unexplored possible significant oil and gas resources and thorium deposits essential for the nuclear power industry. Its Soviet built deepwater port at Berbera could make it a complimentary trading ally to landlocked Ethiopia. Its functioning democracy would also help bolster the forces of moderation and stability in the Horn of Africa and countenance the Islamist insurgents in Somalia – Al-Shabaab.
ENDS
Release: immediate
Released by: Dr Charles Tannock MEP
Contact: +32 228 45870
ECR Press Office - James Holtum - +32 473 861762
Speaking after the meeting, Dr Tannock said: "Somaliland is a relatively peaceful, stable and economically growing polity. It is a world away from the failed state of Somalia where the TFG's remit barely reaches beyond Mogadishu and which still faces the brutality of the Al-Shabaab insurgency and the serious challenge of piracy.”
Dr Tannock said that a stable and sovereign Somaliland would act as a powerful moderate neighboring partner to Ethiopia both economically and politically.
"Somaliland can be a partner for peace and prosperity to the Ethiopian people in an unsettled region. I hope that Prime Minister Zenawi will seriously consider taking the first step towards granting re-recognition of its sovereignty and independence. Somaliland is already effectively a functioning country and we owe it now the right to independent statehood" he added.
He argued that many other major African nations, the EU and the USA, would also eventually support independence, but not until a major African Union nation makes the first move.
"Western governments rightly do not yet feel empowered to declare Somaliland a sovereign nation without a clear declaration from a leading African nation. As the major force for stability, security and growth in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopia has the ability to give a lead on re-recognizing Somaliland independence, and I strongly believe that many other AU nations, and the EU and USA, would follow suit” Dr. Tannock said.
It is also important to remind the newly independent Republic of South Sudan of its stated commitment to recognize Somaliland in exchange for the longstanding help it gave Juba in its liberation struggle from Khartoum.
Historically Somaliland was very briefly independent in 1960 so it is legally a case of re-recognition rather than recognition after Hargeysa, much to its subsequent regret, joined the former Italian Somalia in the south for an unhappy marriage which lasted until 1991.
Somaliland is a moderate Islamic nation with a small cohesive population and which has strong economic prospects with unexplored possible significant oil and gas resources and thorium deposits essential for the nuclear power industry. Its Soviet built deepwater port at Berbera could make it a complimentary trading ally to landlocked Ethiopia. Its functioning democracy would also help bolster the forces of moderation and stability in the Horn of Africa and countenance the Islamist insurgents in Somalia – Al-Shabaab.
ENDS
Release: immediate
Released by: Dr Charles Tannock MEP
Contact: +32 228 45870
ECR Press Office - James Holtum - +32 473 861762
Sep 5, 2011
Aug 29, 2011
Aug 24, 2011
AFRICAN Game Changer: The Consequences of Somaliland’s International (Non) Recognition
AFRICAN Game Changer: The Consequences of Somaliland’s International (Non) Recognition
Executive Summary
This Discussion Paper considers the case for Somaliland’s formal recognition following the recent 20th anniversary of its declaration of independence (18 May 1991) and in light of the secession of Southern Sudan. Based on a series of field studies in the region over several years, most recently in Somaliland in June 2011, this Paper focuses not only on the options for Somalia and others in this regard, but considers the vital question: How will recognition – or continued non-recognition – affect Somaliland’s prospects for peace and stability as well as the interests of the international community? It also asks whether there is an alternative to full recognition, and what a strategy to achieve recognition might look like.
The Paper argues that recognition of Somaliland would be a most cost-effective means to ensure security in an otherwise troubled and problematic region. Moreover, at a time when ‘ungoverned spaces’ have emerged as a major source of global concern, it is deeply ironic that the international community should deny itself the opportunity to extend the reach of global governance in a way that would be beneficial both to itself, and to the people of Somaliland. For Africa, Somaliland’s recognition should not threaten a ‘Pandora’s box’ of secessionist claims in other states. Instead it offers a means to positively change the incentives for better governance, not only for Somaliland, but also in south-central Somalia.
The Paper’s authors acknowledge, however, that recognition would not resolve all of Somaliland’s problems, or the region’s. Indeed, the Paper explains that recognition may, for example, exacerbate tensions with both Al-Shabaab, committed as the Islamist organisation is to the notion of a united Somalia, and with neighbouring Puntland.
Recognition might also diminish the link of accountability between Somaliland’s democratic government and its people, as the government may be tempted to be more responsive to international partners, with their potentially significant aid packages, than to the people. And nor should the recognition question obscure the deep-rooted social and economic problems in Somaliland that will need constant and continued attention. But whatever the benefits and costs to Somaliland, regional states and the international community, recognition would illustrate that African borders, far from being sources of insecurity, can be a source of stability and enhanced state capacity. In that respect, the recognition of Somaliland would certainly be an African game changer.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL ARTICLE IN THE BELOW ATTACHMENT
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Source: Ramaasnews.com
Aug 21, 2011
Aug 15, 2011
Piracy Hampers Delivery Of Aid To Somalia
Workers carry sacks of food at a World Food Programme distribution center in Kenya. Photograph: Schalk Van Zuydam/AP
Humanitarian aid agencies forced to use costly air delivery or ship food to less convenient ports that lengthen delivery time
Mark TranNairobi, Kenya, August 13, 2011 – Piracy is hampering the delivery of food aid to Somalia,, forcing relief agencies to use aircraft or less convenient ports that lengthen delivery time, the African Development Bank's chief economist said on Thursday.
Mthuli Ncube said concerns over piracy have not lessened as the international community steps up its relief effort for around 12 million people in the Horn of Africa in need of emergency aid as a result of drought, exacerbated by conflict in Somalia.
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SA, Tanzania Don't Recognize Somaliland
South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Maite Nkoana-Mashabane adjusts earphones.
Image by: TOBIAS SCHWARZ / REUTERS
Image by: TOBIAS SCHWARZ / REUTERS
Pretoria, SA, August 13, 2011 – South Africa and Tanzania are not yet ready to recognize Somaliland and believe it should not be split off from Somalia according to the foreign ministers of Tanzania and South Africa.
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