Monday July 22, 2019
A woman waves a flag as soldiers and other military personnel of Somaliland march past during a celebration parade in the capital, Hargeisa on May 18, 2016. PHOTO | AFP
In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, is a monument with a jet fighter bearing Somalia flags. The MiG aircraft is said to have been used to target guerrillas as Somalia President Siad Barre massacred perceived opponents 31 years ago.
Now, Muse Bihi Abdi, a retired Somalia military pilot and current President of the breakaway region, is leading efforts to have Somaliland recognised as an independent state.
PUSH FOR RECOGNITION
This week, Somaliland Foreign Affairs ministry said it would push ahead with efforts for recognition, whether Somalia likes it or not.
“Somaliland government agreed to engage with the government of Somalia in the service of broader regional cooperation and mutual understanding but we will not be held hostage by its intransigence,” ministry spokesman Yasin Hagi Mohamed said.
“We call on the international community to address the issue of Somaliland’s recognition."