Press Release
The Security Council statement ref# SC/15313 on Somaliland has raised considerable concerns over the impartiality and objectivity of the Council’s decision-making process. While the Council’s intention may have been to promote peace and security in the region, the statement was one-sided and failed to consider the complex dynamics that have plagued the region for decades.
At the heart of the issue is the ongoing territorial dispute between Somaliland and Somalia, rooted in the border of the former British protectorate and the subsequent voluntary merger with former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic in 1960.
After years of unrest and civil war, Somaliland re-asserted in 1991 its independence it had briefly enjoyed prior to its union with Italian Somaliland. However, Somalia continues to claim sovereignty over the entire territory of Somaliland and has refused to recognize its legitimacy as an independent state.
Furthermore, Somalia has been actively seeking support from regional and international actors to pressure Somaliland into rejoining the Somali Republic, despite the overwhelming support for Somaliland’s right to self-determination from the Somaliland people and other members of the international community. In the past, Somalia government sought to eradicate Somaliland population.
An estimated 200,000 Somaliland residents were massacred by the Somalia government between 1987 and 1989. According to a 2001 United Nations report investigating Somalia’s genocide against the people of Somaliland concluded the following, “the crime of genocide was conceived, planned and perpetrated by the Somalia Government against the Isaaq people of northern Somalia”.
It is ironic that the same government that committed genocide against the Somaliland people is given a platform at UN to continue its destabilizing behavior. The Security Council’s failure to acknowledge these facts and address Somalia’s destabilizing behavior has only served to embolden Somalia to further undermine the stability and security of Somaliland. The statement also ignored Somaliland’s numerous attempts to engage in constructive dialogue and resolve the conflict peacefully, highlighting the Council’s lack of interest in a holistic and inclusive approach to conflict resolution.
In conclusion, the Security Council statement on Somaliland was one-sided and failed to address the underlying issues that have contributed to the ongoing territorial dispute between Somaliland and Somalia. To ensure lasting peace and stability in the region The Security Council needs to consider the following:
- The Council must adopt a more comprehensive and impartial approach to conflict resolution, one that considers the legitimate concerns and aspirations of all parties involved.
- It is imperative that Somaliland be invited to all discussions pertaining to its internal affairs, security, and development. The Somalia government committed genocide against Somaliland’s people and cannot represent them at UN meetings.
- The Security Council must organize a referendum for Somaliland’s self-determination to avoid a perpetual conflict. Only then can we hope for a just and lasting solution to the conflict between Somaliland and Somalia.
Press Release (2)_230619_102945
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