Somaliland Independence Day: 21 Years of Celebration, Time to Reflect and Renew
Toronto (SDN)-Somalilanders all around the world are celebrating today to mark the 21st anniversary of Somaliland’s independence from Somalia. Somaliland has taken great strides over the years to promote peace and rebuild institutions that were lost during the war or were never created as a result of the marginalization policy of the Siyaad Bare era. Every year on May 18th these accomplishments take centre stage, but as the nation grows new problems will inevitably emerge. Somaliland will be judged on how it reacts to and addresses these challenges. Will it buckle under the pressure to maintain peace by becoming overly militaristic? Or will it promote community based solutions to disarmament? The recent clash between armed civilians and the army in the nation’s capital illustrates the growing disconnection between government and civil society. How can destructive events like these be prevented in the future? These are among the important questions being raised at conferences and community gatherings around the globe this weekend.
Diaspora communities have traditional marked the occasion with community events, festivities, and advocacy work. While in Somaliland May 18th is celebrated as a public holiday where people take to the streets to watch parades and marching bands. The major cities of Boorama, Bur’ao, ‘Erigaabo, Laas ‘Anood, Berbera and Hargeisa are awash with red white and green, representing the colours of the Somaliland flag. The celebration is not in vain, and for most it is bittersweet. For injured veterans, widows and orphans this day is one to recall the atrocities of war, to remember loved ones who perished and to renew a commitment to peace.
With every year that passes new lessons are learned and new milestones are met in the fledgling nation. The country is still young and like any youngster suffers from growing pains. The task this year is develop solutions to the problems that plague the country including poverty, unemployment, maternal and child health, land management, and press freedoms to name a few. Although it seems like a tall task, it should be remembered that Somaliland has the capacity and opportunity to do what so few countries in Africa have done-that is to create a post-colonial nation that puts the needs of its citizens above all else, above ethnic identity and tribe, geographical disparity, foreign pressure, greed, self-interest, and complacency.
This 21st anniversary is a fresh chance to look for new definitions of Somaliland, not one that is based on what has been lost due to civil war but one that is based on intrinsic values and looks towards using those values of hard work, equality, unity, and love to prevent conflict both internally and externally. This can only be done through a commitment to human rights, reforming the judiciary, building the media, investing in youth and building strong reliable trustworthy institutions.
However, many believe the real solution lies in economic development which is the buzzword of Somaliland’s new era. Entrepreneurship and investment will become increasingly important but it is worth remembering that economic strength does not necessarily translate into good governance or social development. India is a prime example, it is Asia’s fastest growing economy and the world’s largest functioning democracy and yet 40% of Indian children are malnourished. There are plenty of case studies on what not to do; Somaliland has the added advantage of learning from these mistakes and avoiding the pitfalls that are faced by older nations. So while the government should focus on the economy, it should not forget the moral imperative of prioritizing social development, education, and health care.
Moreover, it should be remembered that the obligation to help the poor and marginalized is not the sole responsibility of the government, citizens and corporations also need to contribute their fair share. The Somaliland public and Diaspora communities have traditionally been the primary source of support for the nation. Remittance and local activism have contributed to the last 21 years of progress. In order for that progress to continue the nation needs to build on the cultural strengths and protective factors that have made Somalilanders resilient, resourceful and creative in the face of difficulty.
The spotlight is on Somaliland and the only shade from the glare of public opinion will be a strong partnership between the government and its people, both working from a place of compassion, dignity and egalitarianism that stem from the nomadic and Islamic traditions. Today is a day to show gratitude for security, survival, and new opportunities. So as the world celebrates the challenge to the country remains the same: will Somaliland capitalize on its strengths and address the issues that are weakening the country? The answer will be yes if the spirit and committment of its people is any indication. Congratulations and remember that the fight for freedom was only the first step, the rest is yet to come and everyone including the Diaspora has an important role to play in the second act.
SDN-Toronto