NEW YORK, USA (HornPost) Somaliland government officials and members of the Somaliland community in North America held a large demonstration outside the United Nations headquarters in New York, sending a message to international leaders and delegations attending the U.N. General Assembly.
The demonstrators carried the flag of the Republic of Somaliland and expressed their support for the Somaliland cause and its pursuit of international recognition.
Somaliland communities from the United States and Canada participated in the demonstration to express their views on the international stage, delivering messages focused on peace, democracy and the aspirations of the people of Somaliland.
The demonstration was held at Dag Hammarskjöld Plaza, located outside the United Nations headquarters, with the message directed toward world leaders and international delegations gathered in New York.
The Speaker of the Somaliland House of Representatives, members of the Somaliland government and Somaliland citizens living in North America took part in what was described as a large and historic demonstration.
The gathering was intended to express the political aspirations and national vision of the people of Somaliland, as well as their desire for full international recognition, while presenting their message to the international community peacefully and responsibly.
The event also carried a message that the Somaliland cause is not limited to the government or a political group but is regarded by its supporters as a national aspiration and a matter of importance for the people of Somaliland.
The demonstrators called on the international community and international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to listen to the voice of the people of Somaliland and examine the Somaliland issue based on what they described as existing realities, the wishes of the people, historical background, legal considerations and the strategic importance of the region.
Speaker Faraton Addresses Somaliland Demonstrators
Somaliland House of Representatives Speaker Yasin Mohamoud Hir Faraton addressed the gathering outside the United Nations.
Faraton said the demonstration was intended to convey Somaliland’s message to countries and leaders attending the United Nations General Assembly.
“We came here to convey our feelings to the countries of the world. This week is known as United Nations week. Every country comes and presents its position and what it stands for. In the same way, we are presenting our feelings and conveying our message to world leaders.”
Faraton also thanked Somalilanders who had travelled from different places to participate in the demonstration.
“We came here to express our feelings, and we want peace,” Faraton said.
Somaliland Foreign Minister Calls for Recognition
Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan Bakal also addressed the gathering, emphasizing Somaliland’s claim to independence and its call for international recognition.
In his remarks, Bakal said:
“Undeniably, Somaliland is an independent country. We have never been part of Somalia. We have never signed up to what they call the federal system of Somalia. We have never been part of that. This land will be, and still is, and forever will be an independent country, deserving of independence and recognition.”
He added:
“You can deny it, so you can deny it forever. Somaliland is the most wonderful, most resilient country on the continent. Somaliland’s recognition will contribute to stability in the entire region.”
Somaliland Defense Minister: “We Are Seeking Rights That Belong to Us”
Somaliland Defense Minister Mohamed Yusuf was among the other officials who addressed the gathering.
“We are seeking rights that belong to us,” Mohamed Yusuf said.
The Somaliland supporters gathered outside the U.N. headquarters reiterated their call for the international community and international institutions, particularly the United Nations, to listen to the voice of the people of Somaliland and examine the Somaliland cause based on its historical background, the aspirations of its people, legal considerations and the strategic importance of the region.
The gathering in New York reflected a message from Somaliland supporters centered on their national struggle, the value of peace and statehood, and hopes for the future generations of Somaliland.
Prepared by:
HornPost staff
