WASHINGTON, D.C. —(HornPost) Somaliland’s House of Representatives Speaker Prof. Yasin Haji Mahmoud Hiir (Faraton) has warned that tribalism is undermining Somaliland’s unity and played a major role in recent conflicts in the country’s eastern regions, calling on the Somaliland diaspora in the United States to work more actively to overcome tribal divisions.
Speaking at a gathering of Somalilanders in Washington, D.C., Faraton said tribalism had contributed to conflicts and disagreements in Somaliland and suggested that it had also prevented some members of the diaspora from attending the event.
“Let me add one point: we should also discuss with you the issue of tribalism, which has harmed Somaliland. You know what happened in the country and the conflicts that took place. Tribalism played a major role in those conflicts,” Faraton said.
Somaliland’s House of Representatives Speaker Faraton said the Somaliland diaspora could make a greater contribution to the country if it strengthened its unity and worked collectively.
“I believe that if the diaspora makes an effort and achieves unity, I believe you can contribute much more, and it has an impact on the country,” he said.
He also said he believed more Somalilanders would have attended the Washington gathering if tribal divisions had not affected participation.
“Tonight, I feel that because of these issues, there would have been more people here. Some may have stayed away because of this problem of tribalism, and there could have been more people than this,” Faraton said.
He urged the diaspora to actively work to remove tribal divisions and strengthen unity among Somalilanders.
“Try to work so that this can be removed. If you work and try, work for the unity of the people,” he said.
Faraton also praised the Somaliland diaspora in the United States for its growing contribution to investment and development in Somaliland.
“I believe many of you have come from far away, traveling by plane or by vehicle. I want to tell you that the Somaliland diaspora in America is of great value to us. You have a major role and great value, and you have begun to bring investment and development to Somaliland. You have moved beyond simply paying neighborhood bills,” Faraton said.
Somaliland’s House of Representatives Speaker further praised the diaspora for taking on a greater role in promoting Somaliland’s cause internationally.
“The diaspora has now begun, as is evident from this occasion, to become ambassadors working for the Somaliland cause. You have been fighting for it and working everywhere, and tonight that is clearly visible here. I congratulate you,” Faraton said.
The remarks came during a meeting in Washington, D.C., between Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro and Somalilanders living in North America, particularly the diaspora community in the United States.
President Irro was accompanied by First Lady Fardus Sheikh Mohamed, Speaker of Somaliland house of representatives Yasin Mahoamud Hir Faraton, ministers and senior government officials.
Somaliland President Irro Meets U.S. Diaspora in Washington, Urges Unity and Recognition.
President Irro thanked the diaspora for its contribution to nation-building, community welfare, investment, economic development and efforts to advance Somaliland’s international recognition.
“The recognition of Somaliland is a historical and legal right that will certainly be fulfilled,” President Irro said.
Irro said his Washington visit was aimed at presenting Somaliland directly to the international community, including its development, security, democratic system and its pursuit of what he described as its historical and legal right to recognition.
President Irro also briefed the diaspora on his meetings and diplomatic engagements in Washington, saying they had produced goodwill, confidence and hope for stronger relations, recognition and investment.
“On behalf of the people of Somaliland, I would like to thank the U.S. government as a whole, and in particular the various officials with whom we held meetings from the administration, Congress, the Senate, international organizations and major influential institutions,” Irro said.
The president also called on Somalilanders abroad to maintain unity and contribute to peace and stability.
“The people of Somaliland are brothers, relatives and kin who share a history, culture and land,” Irro said.
Irro also addressed peace efforts in eastern Somaliland, saying his administration was pursuing dialogue to resolve the situation in Las Anod.
“The situation in the eastern regions is very good. There are many initiatives that we are pursuing to resolve the situation in Las Anod through dialogue,” Irro said.
Somaliland Ambassador Highlights U.S. Recognition Campaign
Somaliland Ambassador to the United States Bashir Omar Good said Irro and his delegation had been engaged in major efforts during their U.S. visit to advance Somaliland’s international recognition.
“The president and his delegation have been making efforts while they have been in the United States. They are focused on obtaining recognition for our country. They are working day and night, while some people are pulling at them and distracting them. While our leaders are fighting with one hand, let us not force them to use the other hand to push us away. Let both hands be used to fight for the country,” Good said.
Good also announced a Sept. 23 demonstration in New York in support of Somaliland’s recognition, saying thousands of Somalilanders were expected to gather on the road in front of the United Nations General Assembly headquarters.
“On Wednesday, Sept. 23, people will gather for a demonstration in support of the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland in New York, particularly on the road in front of the United Nations General Assembly headquarters. We expect several thousand people to gather, and it will be the largest recognition demonstration when viewed from that perspective. The president will address the gathering there,” Good said.
Somaliland Aviation Minister Addresses Airspace and E-Visa Issues.
Somaliland Aviation and Airport Development Minister Fu’ad Ahmed Nur said the government was pursuing a legal process concerning Somaliland’s airspace and rejected the notion that there had been negotiations with Somalia over the issue during the current administration.
“Our airspace was under the control of Somalia when we took over the country. I confirm that there has not been a single negotiation between our Somaliland government and Somalia concerning the airspace during the period of our administration, nor on any other related matter. A legal process is underway, and legal institutions are handling it. I ask you to wait for the news. Soon, our airspace and our airports will have full freedom, in the not-too-distant future,” Nur said.
Nur also addressed Somalia’s E-Visa system, saying travelers going to Somaliland should not be required to obtain an E-Visa through Somalia.
“It is not correct for you to be asked for an E-Visa. We have also informed the U.S. government that a person traveling to Somaliland does not need a visa and that the person can obtain it at Hargeisa airport. I request that anyone who is asked for a visa and is forced to pay for one should take legal action, and the money will be refunded,” Nur said.
Defense Minister Says Government Will Continue Recognition Efforts.
Somaliland Defense and National Security Minister Mohamed Yusuf Ali said the government had prioritized security and national unity and would continue pursuing international recognition.
“When the government came to office, it placed its primary focus on security and the unity of the nation. These are two major pillars on which government is built. The people of Somaliland are required to stand with the government because you are the people for whom the government exists. Today, we are pursuing recognition, and we will not abandon it. Wherever it takes us, we will go,” Mohamed Yusuf Ali said.
Somaliland Foreign Minister Calls for Unity.
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakaal also called for unity among Somalilanders.
“Today, what we need is unity in order to achieve the victory we seek,” Bakaal said.
Speaking to the Somaliland diaspora in the United States, the foreign minister said that following the increased focus on Somaliland’s recognition campaign, opponents had emerged seeking to undermine the efforts surrounding the cause.
He encouraged the diaspora to work toward greater unity and praised Somalilanders in the United States for what he described as their sacrifices and contributions to advancing Somaliland’s recognition efforts.
Presidency Minister: “Somaliland Is Not Begging”
Somaliland Minister of the Presidency Khadar Hussein Abdi said the message delivered by Irro’s delegation during meetings with American experts and political figures was that Somaliland was seeking cooperation with major countries rather than begging for recognition.
“The message of the president’s delegation was simple: Somaliland is not begging,” Khadar said.
Khadar also highlighted Somaliland’s strategic geographical position, saying it was contributing to growing relations and cooperation between Somaliland and countries with significant influence in international affairs.
He said Somalilanders would gather at the United Nations headquarters in New York on Sept. 23 to present their cause.
Conclusion
The meeting brought together senior Somaliland officials and members of the Somaliland diaspora in the United States, with discussions focusing on unity, investment, international advocacy, security, diplomatic engagement and Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
WASHINGTON, D.C. USA
