A Few Observations On The Relationship Between Ethiopia And Somaliland

By Jawahir Mohamed Ali Sheikh Madar

PRELUDE:

The observations made herein are not meant to be a political discourse but more to view the current status quo between the two neighboring countries. Nothing in this text is stated in a manner of criticism of others' opinions, but aimed hopefully   at finding a pragmatic note that could be mutually beneficial for the two countries with the ultimate objective being Somaliland's International Recognition. There is nothing more important than that or more sacred to a Somalilander

ON A BALANCED RELATIONSHIP:

1. By virtue of the fact that Somaliland is as yet to be recognized by the international community, since its separation from Somalia in 1991, places Somaliland at a disadvantageous position in terms of its relationship with any nation in the World. It induces an automatic sense of disequilibrium. Yet Ethiopia has always been a home to the refugees from this part of the World, especially during the Barre Regime and when our valiant SNM members battled for our freedom.

2. Ethiopia was the very first country to open a Trade Mission when except the multilateral agencies such as the UN and political hierarchy such as the EU were the only ones we could cite as giving our cause some support, however obtuse. In fact there is no one to date who has gone even to this extent to have an open trade relationship with Somaliland

3. In balancing the status quo, Ethiopia sent two Ambassadors - one to Somaliland and the other to Somalia - flaunting to the whole World its de facto equal support for both nations, even though Somaliland is not yet recognized

4. Commercial aspects aside, Ethiopian Airlines flights to   Somaliland with very respectable frequency, have put Hargeisa 'On The Map'. The Ethiopian Airlines in-flight magazine refers to Hargeisa so very appropriately and accurately being in Somaliland. However, minor this might appear on the face of it, the significance of its inner meaning should not be 'Lost in Translation'. It takes courage to take such bold, first steps

5. Ethiopia's usage of Berbera Port is a 2-way traffic. Ethiopia gets a much needed sea access and we get revenue as well as another little flag on the World scene, however small. The port of Berbera is on the manifesto of many international shipping lines from Durban to Dubai, from Shanghai to Southampton!!

6. It is important to be cognizant of the fact that Ethiopia   does have access to the port of Djibouti. Granted it is more expensive but also very much more modern, efficient and thus productive.   Rail freight charges from Djibouti to   an Ethiopian   City   as opposed to road transport from   Berbera, would, for most turn, go   in   favor of the former.  

7. Ethiopia continues to provide Somaliland politicians with   much needed support for an open-window discussion both with its own Government as well as with   some other nations. It provides an easy forum for access to the African Union and builds a bridge wherever necessary

8. Ethiopia accepts Somaliland passports and grants visa to Somalilanders in Hargeisa. Surely, there is an element of equality here that no other countries have shown to Somaliland

In summation, I believe that Ethiopia has been and continues to be a true friend to Somaliland and thus, to Somalilanders. This is a relationship in mutual trust and   friendship,   that should be carefully nurtured and not nipped in the bud.

CONCERNS:

1.   Some might feel that Somaliland is treated as a poor cousin by Ethiopia. While I beg to differ in this hypothesis in sensu stricto, examples abound in the World that as much as this   is not the ideal scenario, economic imperatives drive most   relationships anyway. Take Canada vs. United States, UK vs. Romania or Bulgaria,   Mexico vs. Guatemala, Chad vs. Central African Republic and many more. Our additional problem is that we are not yet recognized and thus we don't even set out   on an even footing at the starting point. Thus, if there is an imbalance the onus is up to us the Somalilanders to rectify that and I truly believe that we are all striving for it.

2. With the foregoing in mind,   varied socio-political   support given by Ethiopia to Somaliland to date,   could not speak against equality

3. Somalia's TFG and its President Abdillahi Yusuf are close to Ethiopia and the latter's support for the TFG   in the recent history has proven the point. I do not see this as a worry for Somaliland but stabilizing Somalia, with the assistance of the Superpower { USA} cannot be bad for us. A stable Somalia will open door for a dialog whereby we hope Somalia will recognize the need for an independent Somaliland, permanently cutting loose a malignant umbilical cord. Somaliland's good relation with Ethiopia   in this case should be a plus point for Somaliland in the international arena.

4. Should a situation arise in terms of Ethiopia having to choose between Somalia and Somaliland, I would like to see that Ethiopia abstains and maintains impartiality. Should Ethiopia copy the old   USSR formula, it would be a great tragedy. Indeed I agree, therefore, with Somalilander intellectuals who argue for us not putting all our eggs in one basket. I believe this policy is being very aggressively pursued by our Government

5. We should not concern ourselves with Ethiopia's internal policies and governance.   We want our own house in order, bringing   International Recognition and Prosperity to every Somalilander

6. Likewise, we must pursue every avenue of our economic development and not just rely upon Ethiopia's current assistance in terms of Port usage. Here again, I do believe that both our Government as well as the Somalilanders from all walks of life are actively following this path. Our intellectuals rightly point this out to our advantage.

OTHER ISSUES:

1. Djibouti has been friendly with Somaliland and I believe our Government has indeed developed a much needed rapport in this respect. Much remains to be done, but again I believe our diplomatic front is actively moving forward here.

Djibouti 's support has not been anywhere as strong as that of Ethiopia but Rome was not built in a day either

2. We have made quantum progress with our foreign relations in Africa and beyond. Here we must record our gratitude to not only to our Government but also to Somalilanders everywhere from Cardiff to Los Angeles from   Pretoria to   Washington DC

3. The Rwandan Foreign Minister's raising the Somaliland issue in the recent AU meeting and Somaliland's receiving the observer status in this meeting speak for themselves and how Somaliland is well on its rightful, virtuous course.

In the pursuit of Somaliland's International Recognition, we all have done our very best to promote Somaliland and justify our cause both in many African countries as well as beyond. Our efforts will continue till we have our much deserved   recognition

Nothing will deter us, ever. We shall succeed, but united we must stand as divided we shall fall. May Allah bless Somaliland and its people, always