Johannesburg, April 1, 2004 (SL Times) – Somaliland diplomat Jawahir Mohamed Ali Sheikh Madar has in the last 2 months discussed the issue o Somaliland’s independence and recognition with a number of prominent African leaders, ministers and diplomats.

Last Wednesday, Jawahir met with Zambian foreign minister Kolombo Mwanza.

Also, last Wednesday, Jawahir was at a party thrown in honor of former Zambian President, Dr. Kenneth Kaunda, on the occasion of his birthday. The party was attended by former South African President, Nelson Mandela, Kenyan President Mwai Kibaki, Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, Mozambican President, Joaquim Chissano, King of Swaziland, Mswati III, South Africa's first lady, Mrs. Mbeki, late ANC leader Oliver Tambo’s widow, South African Vice President, Jacob Zuma, and many other prominent dignitaries.

“It was a unique opportunity to make contacts and spread information about Somaliland,” Jawahir said.

Dr. Kaunda sits on the board of directors of Rova Energy Corporation, in which Jawahir’s husband Andy and the South African businessman, Tokyo Sexwalli are shareholders. The company was granted an oil and gas concession in Somaliland’s block 4 east of Berbera.

On Thursday, she briefed the Congolese Foreign Affairs minister Mr. Rodolphe Adada on the situation in Somaliland and why the country needs to be recognized.

Jawahir declined to speak about the results of her diplomatic campaign, saying that she will have to brief Somaliland leaders first.

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