The EU's Italian Policy On Somaliland ‎And Somalia

EDITORIAL

It is just unbelievable that at this stage of the 21 st century the European Union allows its policy toward Somaliland/Somalia to be shaped by the desire of one of its member states – Italy – to occupy a place in history as a significant former colonial power. Italy has been opposed to Somaliland 's 1991 withdrawal from its 1960 union with ex-Italian Somalia . Successive Italian governments have lobbied hard enough to curtail any serious discussions within the EU on the question of Somaliland 's recognition.

By invoking its status as the former colonial power in Somalia , Italy has always claimed that it was morally obliged to defend the preservation of Somali unity and hence "Italian special interests" in Somalia . Whenever the EU was required to formulate a policy on Somalia, member states - be it those who took part in the scramble for Africa in the nineteen century or the new comers emerging from under years of Soviet rule – have usually went along with the Italian position without asking themselves why the Italians were demented on the subject of independence for Somaliland, a former British Protectorate which after gaining independence voluntarily united with Somalia.

The real reason behind the Italian concern over the fate of Somaliland and Somalia remaining united together could only be explained in terms of Rome 's obsessive need to be reckoned as a country that once controlled vast lands in Africa .

A separate and internationally recognized Somaliland is seen as a blow to the status of Italy 's importance that the Italian elite have been trying to project on the world since the days of Mussolini. It was almost the same pre-occupation with and demands for an imperial role for their country that the Duce in his attempt to outbid Hitler in bellicosity decided to invade Ethiopia by the end of 1935.

It is regrettable that the EU's collective position on Somaliland and Somalia should have been dictated by a political establishment seeking glorification of its fascist past.

In Somalia , Italy is already supplying the Jowhar faction with money and arms encouraging them to go into war against the Mogadishu-based armed groups. By endorsing the Italian position blocking Somaliland 's recognition, the EU is committing a big mistake.

The recognition of Somaliland would have hastened the reaching of a settlement in Somalia while a continued international defiance will only lead to a showdown between Somaliland and Somalia in the future. And if Italy has been gambling on the possibility of Somaliland being routed out in any future military confrontation with Somalia , then it should better be reminded that Somalilanders are the same people who, with their backs to the wall, were able to destroy Somalia 's army, one of best fighting forces in Africa , in the 1980s.

Today, Somaliland is even much more stronger than it was 15 years ago. It will fight to the end and is confident that it will emerge victorious against any aggressors who might be tempted to threaten its independence. And if such an eventually arises the war will be fought not in Somaliland but in Somalia and perhaps beyond.

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