Op-Ed:Will Burning Somaliland Flag Reunite Former Somalia?

Op-Ed:Will Burning Somaliland Flag Reunite Former Somalia?

A paradoxical question, isn't it? But among some Somali unionists, the recent successful Somaliland presidential election neither puts them in a state of euphoria, nor instills pride in them. Instead, panic and uncertainty blur their vision, where the only pragmatic approach to Somalia's carnage seems to be vilifying Somaliland and suppressing the wishes of its people. Incinerating the nation's flag, hurling insults at its leaders, and spitting out venom towards its citizens rock some unionists' boats but leave the average sane persons bewildered.

While many nations around the world congratulate Somaliland for its free and transparent presidential elections, some Somali unionists gather to denounce its existence and burn its flag, much less laud it for its achievements. Their objective—a classic of example of counterproductive strategy—is to suppress the popular demands of Somaliland people for regaining their lost sovereignty, unconditionally, just like in 1960 before Somaliland joined Somalia voluntarily.

In light of the unions' self-sabotaging canards to unify the Somali speaking people, not just in former Somalia but also in Horn of Africa, a demonstration against Somaliland takes place in London on December 04, 2010. The organizers disguising their abhorrent attitude towards Somaliland as a protest against their alleged British government's attempt to "divide" Somalia includes burning Somaliland flag as show in their protest (their ruse) flayers.

But the British government never hints that it wants to recognize Somaliland. Instead, Britain views Somaliland as an important ally in the region and wants to assist Somaliland government in building strong democratic institutions and establishing a viable economy to deter the unemployed Somaliland youth—in staggering numbers: over 90%—joining extremist groups.

Meanwhile, the British Prime Minister, David Cameron congratulated Somaliland on its recent successful election. In fact, the British government invited Somaliland's newly elected President, Ahmed Mohamed Mohamud Silanyo to UK and this is what fuss is all about, the unionists' shrills.

Also, a Kenyan MP recently echoed his support for Somaliland independence. Elias Bare Shill, an MP from the Somali region of Kenya known as Northern Frontier District (NFD) praised Somaliland's successful election and vigorously defended its independence. In a video clip , Mr. Shill emphasized how Somaliland instills pride in all the Somali speaking people, whereas those hostages (Somali leaders), their captives (Alshabab), and unionists destroy the fabric of Somali society. Mr. Shill, adamantly, rejected the notion of Somali unity and calls the so-called unionists attempt to resurrect the greater Somalia (Somaliwayn orSilicwayn) dream: a futile effort.

Ironically, you won't see these demonstrators taking to the streets of London to protest against the twin devils of Somalia: Alshabab and Somalia's quarrelsome leaders who keep their bullet-riddled country in shambles. But denouncing Somaliland for establishing an impressive democratic institutions and holding transparent elections outrages some Somali unionists. Shocking, isn't it?

Somali unionists know Britain won't be the first country to recognize Somaliland, so there is more to the flag-torching than meets the eye. What Somali officials and pro-unity groups want is to keep Somaliland in political and economical limbo for another two decades and maintain the status quo: pouring millions of dollars into Somalia while ignoring Somaliland. This is what precisely Somalia's Special Envoy to the United States wants to happen.

On the contrary, the more the International community boosts Somaliland's economy, the sooner hundreds of thousands of destitute Somali refugees living in Somaliland get access to basic services—this is something the so-called Somali unionists living in decent lives in London and in elsewhere conveniently ignore.

Similarly, millions of unemployed Somalilanders would have jobs. The world may have its reasons for not recognizing Somaliland but has no excuses for not providing financial support to rebuild its security forces and create jobs. Having strong security forces and the youth employed would for sure keep Alshabab at bay. For one thing, Alshabab will have a tough luck in finding a safe heaven in Somaliland; for another, recruiting the youth will pose a challenge for Alshabab.

It is far more logical to launch a massive protest against Alshabab and its hostage (Somali regime)—bringing the plight of the Somali people to light—than to spit out loads venom towards the peaceful nation of Somaliland.

Neither vilifying Somaliland leaders, nor burning its flag would hinder its quest for independence. But such malignant crafts would drive a wedge between the two brethren Somali societies—Somaliland and Somalia—planting the seeds of discord for future hostilities. That is, burning Somaliland flag tantamount to incinerating Somaliland cities and their populations. In fact, if any thing, the wicket protests masqueraded as demonstrations to revive unity dash any hope of resurrecting Somali unity to the ground. Hence, you would have a better luck in reassembling a shattered glass without using technology than reuniting former Somalia—without unleashing massive bloodshed. Clearly, "United we fall, divided we stand".
 

Dalmar Kaahin
dalmar_k@yahoo.com