A changed situation in Somaliland needs continuity
On Tuesday last week [27th July], President Ahmed Mohamed ‘Silanyo’ was inaugurated as Somaliland’s fourth president, following his victory over President Dahir Riyale in the smooth and successful presidential election a month earlier. The transfer of power took place in an orderly and peaceful manner. The outgoing President welcomed his successor in a sincere and principled speech, congratulating the incoming President and handing over power in an exemplary manner. The new incumbent was equally gracious. The whole procedure demonstrated a high level of maturity that has had few antecedents in Africa. Several foreign delegations attended the ceremony, from Djibouti, Ethiopia and Kenya. Djibouti’s delegation was headed by the Minister of Information and Communications, Mr. Ali Abdi, who said Somaliland’s democracy provided an excellent example, well worth emulating. Ethiopia’s Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Mohammed Dirir, who headed a delegation which included representatives from Ethiopia’s Somali Regional State, commended the peaceful transfer of power which he said would help peace in the Horn of Africa. The deputy speaker of the Kenyan Parliament, Mr. Farah Maalim, described the occasion as an historic opportunity that should be celebrated. Also visiting Hargeisa last month, were the French Ambassador to Djibouti and the Deputy Head of the UK’s Mission in Ethiopia.
The day following the inauguration, President Ahmed ‘Silanyo’ announced his new cabinet of 20 ministers and six vice-ministers. The new foreign minister, Dr. Muhammad Abdillahi Omar, has already stressed the need to sustain Somaliland’s democratic achievements and its locally owned peace and stability. This will need, he said, increased international support and investment in the areas of security, the economy and the public service sector.
Much is expected of the new government to ensure continuity both in terms of Somaliland’s domestic as well as its foreign policies and in providing a high standard of implementation and conduct. The challenges facing Somaliland and the region as a whole are tremendous. To meet this expectation the new government needs to command the respect and confidence of the neighbouring countries through its readiness and its commitment to address these challenges. People are already following the activities of the new government with care, hoping that decisions will be taken in consideration of the problems that Somaliland and the region as a whole face. The new government will have to demonstrate its capacity in its conduct of domestic as well as foreign policies, to meet the expectations of all those who are partners in its efforts. It is critical in this connection that the government upholds the principles of good neighbourliness, commitment to peace and moderation. Equally, Somaliland’s neighbours confidently expect it to continue to take the same uncompromising stand in the fight against terrorism and extremism as the previous governments. Any diminution in this area will seriously affect its credibility.