Hornpost
Ruling Party Chairman Urges UN Member States to Follow Israel’s Lead.
Hargeisa (Horn post) The Chairman of the ruling WADDANI Party, Mr. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan, has called on the international community to follow the example of the State of Israel by formally recognizing the Republic of Somaliland, describing such recognition as long overdue and grounded in historical, legal, and political realities.
Speaking at the media, Chairman Hirsi said he was addressing the world on behalf of the people of Somaliland, whom he described as resilient, patient, and steadfast in their pursuit of international recognition. He commended President of the Republic of Somaliland for what he termed “notable diplomatic success,” and praised the Somaliland public for enduring more than three decades of waiting despite having fulfilled all the criteria of statehood.
“I extend our heartfelt gratitude to the State of Israel for its courageous and principled decision,” Chairman Hirsi said. “This historic step will be remembered, and the people of Somaliland will never forget it.”
Somaliland’s Independence and the Failed Union with Somalia:
The WADDANI leader traced Somaliland’s political journey back to its independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, noting that the subsequent union with Somalia was flawed from the outset. He argued that the merger lacked a legally sound framework and was characterized by inequality and marginalization of Somalilanders.
Chairman Hirsi recalled that concerns over the defective merger process were raised as early as 1960 by Somaliland intellectuals, poets, and politicians. These grievances were later reflected in the 1961 constitutional referendum, in which around 90 percent of Somaliland voters rejected the proposed constitution that would formalize the union with Somalia.
Opposition, Repression, and Growing Tensions:
According to Chairman Hirsi, political opposition to the union intensified in 1961, leading to mass protests and ministerial resignations. That same year, a failed military coup led by junior officers seeking to restore Somaliland’s independence highlighted the deepening rift between the two sides.
He further detailed the period of repression that followed, including arbitrary arrests, curfews, and mass killings. As an example, he cited the execution of five businessmen in Burao, which he said symbolized the brutality faced by the Somaliland community under successive Somali regimes.
Armed Struggle and Atrocities:
The Chairman noted that the formation of the Somali National Movement (SNM) in 1981 marked a turning point in the armed struggle against the regime. He stated that by May 1988, Somaliland regions had largely fallen under SNM control, but at an immense human cost, with more than 50,000 civilians killed by aerial bombardments and hundreds of thousands forced to flee as refugees.
The Chairman of the ruling WADDANI Party, Mr. Hirsi Ali Haji Hassan also referenced massacres in locations such as Malkadurduro, Kasher, and Jazira in Mogadishu, adding that more than 200 mass graves have since been documented.
Restoration of Sovereignty and Democratic Progress:
Following the collapse of the Somali central government, Chairman Hirsi said, Somaliland’s traditional and political leaders convened in May 1991 and unanimously resolved to restore the sovereignty of the Republic of Somaliland, citing its historical independence and the failure of the union.
Chairman Hirsi highlighted Somaliland’s post-1991 achievements, including the establishment of peace through disarmament and reconciliation, the formation of functioning state institutions by 1993, and the introduction of a democratic system by the year 2000. He noted that 97 percent of voters approved of the Somaliland Constitution in a public referendum and emphasized that the territory has witnessed peaceful transfers of power across six presidencies, four of them through direct public elections.
Failed Talks with Somalia:
On relations with Somalia, Chairman Hirsi said Somaliland had repeatedly engaged in dialogue at the request of the international community. However, he argued that talks held between 2021 and 2023 failed due to Somalia’s lack of commitment to implementing agreements, many of which were later annulled unilaterally.
Regional Responsibility and International Appeal:
“For 34 years, Somaliland has governed itself responsibly, developed its institutions, and maintained stability without international recognition,” he said. “Meanwhile, Somalia has struggled to exercise effective authority beyond limited areas.”
The Chairman Hirsi criticized what he described as diplomatic pressure tactics against Somaliland, including economic constraints, aid restrictions, and limitations on air travel, such as the recent introduction of e-visa measures.
Despite these challenges, Chairman Hirsi said Somaliland has acted as a responsible and reliable partner in the Horn of Africa, prioritizing peace, security, and regional cooperation, while actively contributing to counter-terrorism efforts.
In conclusion, Chairman Hirsi described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an acknowledgment of political reality and historical justice and urged other UN member states to follow suit.
“We call upon the international community to recognize Somaliland for its unwavering commitment to democracy, stability, and constructive engagement with regional and global partners,” Chairman Hirsi said. “Recognition is not a favor; it is a rightful acknowledgment of an existing state.”
Prepared by:
Horn Post Staff Reporter
