Introduction
It’s quite remarkable that two events occurred simultaneously, each pushing a starkly different narrative. On one hand,
Professor Ahmed Ismail Saamter gave a lecture that could only be described as demoralizing for the youth, fostering a sense of hopelessness and promoting division among the young people of Somaliland. On the other hand, Dr. Mohamed Abdullah Omer appeared in a televised interview with SAAB TV, continuing the narrative of deep tribal conflicts among the people of Somaliland and because of that the country is on danger. Neither of these professors provided substantial evidence to support their claims; their main objective seemed to be undermining confidence and sowing discord.
In contrast, when we examine the potential for Somaliland to sign a historic agreement with Ethiopia through a scientific and economic lens, and after consulting with experts in the fields of economics, social sciences, and geopolitics, a different picture emerges. I would like to present in this summary to the youth and people of Somaliland as a word of advice: do not be misled by these opportunistic skeptics.
퐀퐧퐚퐥퐲퐬퐢퐬 퐨퐟 퐭퐡퐞 퐇퐢퐬퐭퐨퐫퐢퐜 퐀퐠퐫퐞퐞퐦퐞퐧퐭
The historic agreement with Ethiopia will serve as a cornerstone, for Somaliland’s future. Here’s why:
퐀-퐄퐜퐨퐧퐨퐦퐢퐜 퐁퐞퐧퐞퐟퐢퐭퐬 퐟퐨퐫 퐒퐨퐦퐚퐥퐢퐥퐚퐧퐝:
ퟏ. Developing Berbera Port into a Major Trade Hub: Enhancing
Berbera Port can transform it into a significant commercial center.
ퟐ. Attracting Foreign Direct Investment: Gaining international recognition can attract interest from global investors.
ퟑ. Diversifying Local Economic Sources: Somaliland can seize the opportunity to expand its economy beyond traditional sectors like livestock, Mineral wealth and agriculture.
퐁- 퐏퐨퐥퐢퐭퐢퐜퐚퐥 퐚퐧퐝 퐃퐢퐩퐥퐨퐦퐚퐭퐢퐜 퐁퐞퐧퐞퐟퐢퐭퐬:
ퟏ. Enhancing Somaliland’s International Standing: Recognition by Ethiopia could encourage other African and international countries to recognize Somaliland.
ퟐ. Strengthening Internal Security and Stability: Close relations with Ethiopia can lead to security cooperation, such as counter-terrorism and border protection.
퐂- 퐒퐨퐜퐢퐚퐥 퐚퐧퐝 퐂퐮퐥퐭퐮퐫퐚퐥 퐁퐞퐧퐞퐟퐢퐭퐬:
ퟏ. Improving Public Services: Cooperation with Ethiopia and other countries whose interesting in Somaliland such South Africa and UK will lead to advancements in public services like healthcare, civile servants skills and education,
ퟐ. Promoting Cultural and Educational Exchange: Close ties can facilitate student and academic exchanges, enhancing cultural understanding and educational opportunities around the world.
퐃- 퐁퐞퐧퐞퐟퐢퐭퐬 퐟퐨퐫 퐩퐞퐨퐩퐥퐞 퐢퐧 퐒퐨퐦퐚퐥퐢퐥퐚퐧퐝:
ퟏ. Improving Job Opportunities and Income: Investments and infrastructure development will create new job opportunities.
ퟐ. Enhancing Quality of Life and Price Stability: Better public services and improved trade will significantly improve the quality of life and stabilize the prices of essential goods.
퐀 퐂퐚퐥퐥 퐭퐨 퐀퐜퐭퐢퐨퐧
Given these insights, I urge the youth and people of Somaliland not to fall prey to the demoralizing rhetoric of those who seek to undermine our collective aspirations. The potential benefits of achieving international recognition are vast and significant. It is not only a realistic goal but also a crucial step towards a prosperous and stable future.
Furthermore, I challenge these skeptics to a public forum and open discussion with Somaliland’s thinkers if they have the courage to stand by their assertions without evasion. I also call upon all intellectuals, scholars, specialists, and politicians who cherish this nation to stand against these destructive currents. If these skeptics have any justifiable reasons, they should come forward for a constructive debate. It is our duty to protect and uphold the interests of our country and prottect our young pepole.
By focusing on the positive impact of such agreements and maintaining faith in our abilities, we can counter the negativity and work towards a brighter, more unified Somaliland.
May Allah Bless Somaliland
Nasser Ibrahim Soufi
