Somaliland- Reap the wild wind

Somaliland has to become proactive; it’s has been a recent turbulent period for the nation as imprisonment of local journalists had created bad publicity for Somaliland all over the cyber space. The issue was completely muddled, and equally unnecessary. As a matter of fact the incident was perhaps misuse of the freedom of speech by journalists, and it was equally less firmly handled by people in opposition who in order to gain mileage against their President, went overboard with their opposition.

It is very scary for outside world when people run their own President down at a time when international community is looking for avenues to see Somaliland in a new light. Sweden boldly through all of this came out in favor of Somaliland, this if any should have been a signal for people of Somaliland to see the winds of change which is definitely going to bring prosperity to this new nation, instead of bickering amongst themselves.

Currently there is a new hue and cry over the budget in the country, the parliament has amended and ratified it, but the President opposes it. Normally Parliament must prevail in such issues however when the head of state is against, the issue becomes an amazing and a shining example of functioning democracy in this country, people who I talk to are astonished with this situation which certainly is akin to US congress ratifying withdrawal of troops in Iraq and President Bush vetoing it. While on the budget issue in Somaliland a lot of war of words are taking place in cyber space and media, while at the same time the matter of vetoing withdrawal of troops in Iraq by US President has hardly evoked a whimper in USA or outside world.

It goes to show, we are what we show ourselves to be, Somaliland desperately needs to cash on the change in the international scenario. In India where Somalia has embassy it was difficult to persuade foreign office to notice Somaliland. In April the hijack of an Indian ship by Somalia pirates has damaged ‘pro’ Somalia perspective deeply, how I wish if Somaliland had an envoy in New Delhi or Mumbai and government and media could be better informed about this great nation in making.

Therefore a proactive Somaliland is the need of the hour, as important are internal affairs equally important are foreign affairs; Somaliland is facing a moment, a tryst with destiny. Somaliland sooner than later will be a recognized independent state; the current regime has to be lauded for it. Somaliland needs to send its envoys and ministers to as many countries as possible, open as many foreign offices as it can because there is a wind in it’s favor all over the world…time is to sow it and reap it.