By M. A. Egge
The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Somaliland Hon. Rhoda Jama Elmi has underscored the fact that Somaliland attaches great importance to the safety and protection of international trade goods passing through the Gulf of Aden, especially with precarious commodities such as oil and gas being ferried that ought to be insulated from piracy attacks and terrorism.
She warned that if the world neglects Somaliland, there will be negative consequences affecting the Horn of Africa region hence would be in peril of stability.
The deputy FM highlighted the fact in a post she wrote this week on her X (Twitter), criticizing what is perceived to be the idea of “One Somalia” which undermines the peaceful stability and democratic aspirations of Somaliland hence only shrouds its efforts and capabilities of pacifying its marines, to the detriment of the smooth traffic flow in the Bab el Mandab gulf of the Red Sea.
In the contrary, she noted, Somalia has time and again failed to contain the piracy and terrorism menace in its own backyard.
She gave the latest example of the most recent ship attacked in its territories by its own people as an unabated trend that has been going on for the past 17 years without being curtailed or put in check.
An Indian merchant ship hijacked by Somali pirates earlier this month saw he Indian navy storm it and apprehend 35 Somali pirate who were immediately whisked off to Mumbai to stand trial.
The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs called on the world to recognize Somaliland to strengthen the fight against piracy and terrorism and for the Republic of Somaliland to play a role in stabilizing the region in the Horn of Africa.
Hon. Rhoda Jama urged the countries of the international community who are interested in the importance of the Bab el Mandab strip to change their policies and take steps to have an effective relationship based on mutual interest with the Republic of Somaliland and to ensure the recognition of its independence for the better of the future.
She warned that if the world neglects Somaliland, there will be negative consequences affecting the Horn of Africa region.