Amb Mohamoud leads Kenya's Somaliland community in marking 33rd Anniversary celebrations in Nairobi

Excellencies, distinguished guests, Ladies, and gentlemen, it is my great pleasure and
honor to welcome you to this historic event on 18 May. Today marks the 33rd anniversary
of when the Somaliland people re-asserted and restored their sovereignty, democracy,
and statehood.
On this occasion, I would like to extend my profound gratitude, and appreciation to the
Honorable members of the Kenya National Assembly, members of the House of Senate,
Your Excellency the Governor of Tana River County, former members of Kenya parliament,
Cabinet Secretaries, and other senior Officials of the Kenya Government.
I welcome the Minister of Transport and Road Development of Somaliland, the former
minister of Somaliland Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the chairman of the
Somaliland Political Association of Kaah, and members of the Somaliland House of
Representatives.
I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome members of the diplomatic community,
UN Agencies, International Organizations, Professor. Patrick Lumumba, a renowned African
scholar, and advocate for African better statehood, members of the Kenya Inter-Religious
Council, members of the Sahan Think-Tank, Rift Valley Institute, academicians, our oldest
Academy for Peace and Development- APD, university students all Somaliland friends
including the Somali community in Kenya, all protocols observed, ladies and gentlemen
good afternoon (Karibuni sana).
It gives me great honor to welcome you all to this historic event on 18 May and to
commemorate with us. On this day, 33 years ago, the Somaliland people unanimously
decided to dissolve the voluntary union with Somalia which was formed in 1960.
I’m also very glad, and thankful to the Somaliland-Kenyan community’s dedication to
supporting their country and working with our Mission here in Kenya. Many thanks to the
organizers, protocol teams, Kenya security institutions who provided us with dedicated
security personnel, our renowned signers, and cultural entertainment teams.
As you are aware the Republic of Somaliland regained its sovereignty, political
independence, and territorial integrity in 1991 and today we are celebrating 33 years in
which the Republic of Somaliland has maintained peaceful and democratic statehood that
has significantly contributed to regional, and international peace and security.

Somaliland Statehood

Africa can learn a lot from Somaliland’s statehood, and its democratic credentials that
have evolved through the dedicated efforts of Somaliland’s grassroots society. These
efforts resulted in the establishment of a national charter that paved the way for
constitutional democracy which legitimized the multiparty political system Somaliland
uses today.
The birth of the Republic of Somaliland is similar to that of any other African country that
sought independence in the post-colonial era. Initially a protectorate of the British Empire,
Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960.
Just a few days later, Somaliland decided to voluntarily unite with Somalia which was a
former Italian colony. However, the union failed at the onset as the people of Somaliland
were subjected to over 30 years of oppression, political and economic alienation,
destruction, and gross human rights violations which included the ethnic cleansing and
genocide of Somalilanders based on clan.
However, on May 18, 1991, the resilient people of Somaliland restored their independent
sovereignty and decisively dissolved the failed union with Somalia to officially re-establish
the Republic of Somaliland. We have had a remarkable journey of democratic and peace
progress since that day.
Therefore, it is entirely unjust for the international community and the African Union to
watch the Republic of Somaliland for decades now as a country outside of the African
Union and the United Nations. Somaliland’s case for recognition continues to be both
legally and morally justified. Furthermore, the Republic of Somaliland’s recognition as an
African Union member state and a member of the wider international community would
cement a peaceful, prosperous, and economically integrated Africa.

Crisis

The Republic of Somaliland is situated in the most strategic location in Africa, along the
Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden which is currently facing a crisis that has caused food and
fuel prices to rise.
If this crisis is not properly assessed, it will continue to impact the lives of millions of
people worldwide. It is important to note that the Republic of Somaliland can be a part of
the solution. Somaliland is the right and capable partner to facilitate the safeguarding of
international vessels, humanitarian aid, and trade crossing the Red- Sea.
Over the last three decades, the Republic of Somaliland has succeeded in preventing
pirates in its water and maritime corridors. Indeed, our long-standing commitment to
peace and security in the region deserves to be acknowledged and empowered.
Our fight against terrorism, piracy, and regional destabilizers is paramount and has
enabled numerous regional and international partners to depend on our incredible
contribution towards peace and security across the globe.
In this regard, the African Union and the wider international community cannot wish away
the significant contribution of the Republic of Somaliland. It is historically justifiable that
the recognition of Somaliland in the African Union member states and the United Nations
is both necessary and indispensable.

New hope

The Republic of Somaliland is a new hope for the African continent and the solution to
global crises, particularly in geopolitics and climate change.
The recent MOU signed by Somaliland and Ethiopia signified a momentous breakthrough
for regional cooperation, regional economic integration, trade, security, and realizing the
Africa Agenda 2063. The inflammatory propaganda, and false information aggressively
disseminated by the Somalia administration following the signing of this MoU, were all
baseless and unjustifiable.
The Republic of Somaliland and the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia share a longstanding brotherly relationship based on partnerships in trade, security, and education
along with deep people-to-people relations. Additionally, Somaliland and Ethiopia share
the longest border that facilitates the peaceful movement of both people and livestock.
Distinguished Guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I would like to assure you that Africa will utilize the various development opportunities
that Somaliland and Ethiopia’s partnership cooperation will soon create. We call on the
African Union and the international community to join us to break the barrier that has
hindered meaningful, African-led development in our beloved region and continent.
It is deeply regrettable that Somalia has undertaken such a provocative stance against the
Somaliland-Ethiopia MOU and has led efforts to circulate false information and historical
inaccuracies about Somaliland’s well-documented past. Unfortunately, Somalia’s efforts
against the partnership cooperation between Somaliland and Ethiopia will only threaten
to destabilize East Africa.
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I wanted to be crystal clear that the Republic of Somaliland has never been part of Somalia
or its political system. However, Somaliland and Somalia once formed the Somali Republic
together which was dissolved in 1991.
The Somali Republic represented an unattainable dream of Somalis in the Horn of Africa
being under one state which was symbolized by the white, five-pointed star of the once
Somali Republic flag. However, after enduring decades of a malfunctional union with
Somalia, the Republic of Somaliland reinstated its statehood which was initially
established on 26 June 1960.
In this case, the Constitution of the Republic of Somaliland, which predates Somalia’s
current administration, recognizes and reaffirms the OAU declaration that upholds
colonial borders as they were left by colonial powers. The Republic of Somaliland’s case
for international recognition cannot be overlooked and misunderstood because
Somaliland is not the first African country to dismantle and dissolve a merger with its
former partner.
Regardless of the challenges that exist, the Republic of Somaliland is open to collaborating
and partnering with all African and global nations. Somaliland is one of the most
democratically peaceful and secure countries on the continent.
Unfortunately, we have witnessed some members of the international community
attempt to speak for Somalia in a misguided effort to protect its integrity. In doing so,
these actors have, time and time again, infringed on the Republic of Somaliland’s own
democratic values and territorial integrity.
The majority of the population in Somaliland has been born and raised under the
Somaliland flag and under the rule of its subsequent democratic administrations. The
people of Somaliland are peace-loving and resilient people who wish to see their country
prosper along with other African and global nations.
Members of the international community need to be more realistic in pragmatically
advocating for the recognition of a democratically peaceful and functioning country like
the Republic of Somaliland. The fundamental rights of more than 6 million Somaliland
people can no longer be denied, and so it is imperative for African Union member states
and the wider international take bold, and coherent steps for Somaliland’s recognition.
In the wake of devastating floods and heavy rains, the Republic of Somaliland stands in
solidarity with the government and the great people of the Republic of Kenya. We mourn
the lives lost and offer our deepest condolences to all affected families.
As a result of climate change, we are witnessing a very severe situation caused by the
floods that have affected thousands of Kenyan citizens. As a fellow East African nation, the
Republic of Somaliland has long held the Republic of Kenya in high regard.
Somaliland and Kenya share a long history of people-to-people relations, shared colonial
administration history, and common democratic values of multiparty political elections,
free press, and free market economy. Somaliland is committed to further advancing our
brotherly relationship with Kenya in the years to come.
We are honored to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of 18 May with you all today in Nairobi.
I hope you all enjoy this momentous occasion.
I thank you.
Dr. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamoud
Somaliland Ambassador to the Republic of Kenya