The Hague, Netherlands , June 08, 2006 – The Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO) has been following the situation in the Horn of Africa and is deeply concerned at the dramatically deteriorating situation in Somalia and its capital Mogadishu, as widely reported by international media in the recent period. UNPO, as an organization promoting human rights and democracy among its Members worldwide, recognizes that the current situation in Somalia demands the urgent attention of the world community.

The descent into further instability and hostility, and the lack of an effective central government, demonstrates the need for a renewed approach by the UN and the international community as a whole. In particular, the current situation in Somalia should serve as a wakeup call for a reviewed international approach to Somaliland. In stark contrast to the situation in Somalia, Somaliland has managed to establish and develop a stable form of government and continues to enjoy stability and progress as a functioning constitutional democracy. Yet, the international community has so far failed to recognize the efforts of Somaliland and its strong commitment to democratic governance, peace, stability and respect for human rights. To reconsider international recognition of Somaliland and to acknowledge and further help build on its achievements could represent an important alternative solution to bring about durable stability and peace in the Horn of Africa.

UNPO strongly urges the international community to recognize the notable progress made in Somaliland within its de facto borders, to consider support for the democratic wish of the people of Somaliland as manifested in the 2001 referendum, and moreover see Somaliland as a starting point for a stabilization, and ultimately democratization, process for the larger region. The question of Somaliland should now be seriously considered in order to find and enter the early stages of a just, peaceful and enduring solution to overcome the current violence and endemic instability. “The international community cannot afford to continue its failed policy in the Horn of Africa, but needs to critically reconsider its position, starting with Somaliland,” asserts Marino Busdachin, UNPO General Secretary, emphasizing the pressing need to save democracy in Somaliland from the combined assault of fundamentalist islamists and Somali warlords.

Source: UNPO

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