Comments By Jamal Gabobe

By Jamal Gabobe, Seattle

The brief comments below by Jamal Gabobe were penned in response to Peter Schraeder’s article “Why the United States Should Recognize Somaliland’s Independence”. Both the article and the comments were posted at the website of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (http://forums.csis.org/africa/).

- Thank you Mr Schraeder for your succinct and timely analysis. I agree with you that it is in the United States’ self interest to recognize Somaliland and that waiting for too long will have negative consequences for both Somaliland and the US. It is also important to note that the sense of disappointment with those who pay lip service to democratic principles and have ignored Somaliland’s pleas could have a radicalizing effect. As it is, there are already voices in Somaliland saying that the United States and the West have taken Somaliland for granted and that it is time for Somaliland to insist on reciprocity in its dealings with the west (see the Somaliland Times editorial entitled ‘How Long Is The US Going To Take Somaliland For Granted?’). It’s both unfair and untenable to expect Somaliland to contribute to the region’s security and crack down on terrorist networks and at the same time treat it shabbily (it’s not even two weeks since Somaliland’s high court decided the case of 15 terrorists).

At minimum the United States should take the advice of David Shin (former American Ambassador to Ethiopia) and open a liaison office in Hargeisa as a first step toward recognition. If Ethiopia could open an office there so can the US.

American government officials should also visit Somaliland so they could get a close view of conditions on the ground. The British ambassador to Ethiopia goes to Hargeisa regularly and was there two weeks ago. Such visits have a highly symbolic and practical effects, and will reassure Somalilanders that they have chosen the right path: the path of moderation and democracy in a very rough and dangerous neighborhood.

Jamal Gabobe

Seattle , Washington

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