The Republic Of Somaliland And Its Right As A Sovereign State

HARGEISA, (HargeisaPress) — On behalf of the government of Somaliland, I would like to make clear our position with regard to a communiqué issued on the 27^th January 2016 by the Federal government of Somalia concerning the electoral model for 2016

1. The statement took the unfortunate step of including Somaliland in the federal structure and electoral process
2. The Republic of Somaliland is unequivocal in its assertion that it has never been, and is not part of the Federal map, structure and electoral process in any shape or form

3. We applaud the international community’s efforts to help Somalia stabilize and stand on its feet, and we wish it well
4. However, we wish to remind the international community that with their assistance we started a dialogue with Somalia in 2012 to negotiate and agree on issues of common concern and clarify our future relations
5. We are committed to the dialogue and appreciate the international community’s support for the process
6. Moreover, we understand that the President of the Federal Government of Somalia has expressed a commitment to continue the dialogue process, and we welcome this decision
7. Nevertheless, we wish to point out that the decision by Somalia to include Somaliland within its federal structures runs completely contrary to the agreements reached as part of the dialogue process, both in spirit and in letter.
8. We hope that the Federal Government will reconsider its current position, which sends a wrong signal to Somaliland.

9. The Republic of Somaliland has repeatedly demonstrated its democratic credentials, through holding peaceful, free and fair elections. Our people went to the polling stations 5 times during the last 15 years to elect their representatives in government, parliament, and local councils, and we have seen a successful transfer of power on multiple occasions.
10. We are now preparing ourselves for parliamentary and presidential elections in 2017. We wish to reiterate that this has nothing to do with 2016 federal elections in Somalia.

11. The Republic of Somaliland boasts a history of nearly 130 years, and has well defined boundaries established through protocols and treaties.
12. It was a British Protectorate for 73 years, and between June 26 and 1^st July 1960 it was an independent sovereign state
13. For 30 years From 1960 to 1991 it was part of a union which was entered into on a questionable legal basis according to legal experts
14. On 18 May 1991 Somaliland withdrew from its unhappy Union after a bloody civil war and has been a thriving, stable and democratic state ever since.
15. This year we will hold celebrations to mark 25 years of successful governance and we invite the international community to attend to witness for themselves Somaliland’s remarkable accomplishments
16. Somaliland is a reality. It fulfils all the requirements of a sovereign state and is in full compliance with article 4 of the AU charter regarding the preservation of inherited colonial boundaries
17. Somaliland respects the sovereignty of Somalia, stands ready to share lessons from its own successful journey to democracy and stability, and looks forward to continuing the dialogue process.
18. In the meanwhile, we expect from the Federal government of Somalia the same respect we offer and expect of our neighbours with regard to territorial integrity and sovereignty

Issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation, Republic of Somaliland. For more information contact Saleebaan Mahamuud Daahir at 00252 633471672 or by email salebaancm@slforeign.com