Pakistan's former Amb. to Ethiopia details the history of Somaliland, the legality of its case having been a recognised state in 1960.. and even cites the 2001 UN report on the Isaaq Genocide.
A few mistakes that can be corrected, but the world is fast going from complete ignorance to discussing minutia of Somaliland's history.
Israel's recognition has been a game changer.
Spoke with the wonderful @Laura_L_Cellier about @Israel's official recognition of the Republic of #Somaliland. Discussed geopolitical implications for the region, what other countries may follow @IsraeliPM's bold lead and recognize #Somaliland.
I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Together with Foreign Minister Sa'ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.
This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.
I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.
The President thanked me for this historic declaration and expressed appreciation for my achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace.
I thank Foreign Minister Sa’ar, the Head of Mossad David Barnea and the Mossad, for their contribution to today’s development, and I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity, and freedom.
The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.
On behalf of the Republic of Somaliland, I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to President Trump, @realDonaldTrump on your inauguration as the 47th President of the United States.
As my administration embarks on a new vision for Somaliland’s future, we take inspiration from your agenda of ushering in a new age of American leadership and prosperity.
We look forward to aligning our partnership with your great country in achieving our shared values of world peace, democracy, and economic growth.
Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke, former prime minister of the Somali Republic travelled to Washington DC in November of 1962 where he met with the JFK administration with an offer of an alliance between the Somali Republic and the United States, offering the Americans, the use of the strategic Somaliland coastline and Berbera.
In exchange, Sharmarke wanted American weapons, military training for the newly established Somali military and financial assistance for his impoverished nation.
The Americans, knowing that Somalia wanted to wage war against Ethiopia, turned down the offer due to strong, close ties that existed between Ethiopia and the US.
Spurned by the Americans, Sharmarke took his offer and shopping list to Moscow & the Soviet Union, who readily accepted.
What followed was 14 years of military and civilian cooperation between the Soviet Union and Somalia, built exclusively around the Berbera agreement.
As a result, this agreement produced thousands of military and civilian personnel, trained in the Soviet Union and other Warsaw Pact countries, plus procurement of hundreds of millions of dollars worth of Soviet military hardware for Somalia.
It was also under this agreement that the longest runaway in Africa you often hear about, was built in Berbera, as well as some port renovations and some other needed projects.
Now just to name a few of the officers who benefitted from the Berbera agreement include the current president of Somaliland, President Muse Biihi, Interior Minister Mohamed Kaahin and opposition leader Faisal Ali Waraabe who trained as an engineer.
Sadly other beneficiaries of this alliance also include, General Gaani, the butcher of Hargeysa- General Morgan, General Abdiaziz Ali Barre among many others, notorious for the brutal destruction of Somaliland and its people, in the 1980’s.
The list is endless but it’s safe to assume, close to 80% of former Somali Republic military, air force and navy officers owe their training to Berbera.
After the Soviets switched alliances to Ethiopia in 1977, a similar pact with similar provisions was quickly established with the Americans.
Berbera airport was then designated by NASA, as an emergency landing runaway for the US shuttle program, at a rate of approximately 50 million dollars per year.
Berbera wasn’t just “prime real estate” coveted by the super powers. It was also, hands down, the single largest hard currency earner for the former Somali Republic, thanks in large part, to its livestock exports to the Arabian Peninsula, established by #Somaliland traders, circa 1840.
The second largest source of hard currency- foreign aid.
Lastly, I hope this short dive down history lane puts into context the madness we are witnessing from Mogadishu politicians and the Somali adage “Dawaco halkay macal ku barato ayey macaluul ugu bakhtidaa” - “A fox starves where it got plenty before” sums up best some of their insane claims.
On the 26th of June 1960, British Somaliland was formally granted independence by the UK & received recognition as the State of Somaliland. Five days later, on 1st of July 1960, the State of Somaliland voluntarily united with the former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. After 30 years, the State of Somaliland decided to exit the Union & went back to its independence - the successor state of British Somaliland. A genuine question, did we miss anything here?
A step ahead in the right direction for the this and generations to come. FDRE Signed MOU with Somaliland for Partnership and cooperation which paves the way for accessing a leased Military base on Red sea.
Devastating scenes emerging here in #Hargeisa, we’re continuing to work closely with the government to establish the specific needs & how we can support. It is clear that despite extraordinary efforts by Sawahili @SLfireservice to tackle the fire many livelihoods have been lost
Hargeisa is burning and where is @UKinSomalia?? This is shameful you can literally have helicopters there to help in 30 mins. @trussliz I really hope you are seeing this crisis unfolding.
Waxaan aad uga naxay, kana tiiraanyooday dabka ka kacay Suuq-weynaha badhtamaha Hargeysa, kaas oo khasaare ballaadhan u geystay hantidii Shacabka. Hadda lama qiyaasi karo Khasaarahaas.
Waxaannu Shacabka Somaliland La qaybsanaynaa murugada dhibkaas ku yimid.
I received SMS from CONCERN notifying me cash transfer funded by the EU. It appears I am registered as internally displaced person. I have been receiving comms from UNHCR. I’ll check how they added me into their IDP database and became a beneficiary of drought relief!
My latest piece in the @guardian today. I hope you enjoy it, and best wishes for this new year everyone!
@HornHeritageOrg@UCLarchaeology
https://t.co/MsePH7MyZ4