The Government of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a strong rebuke to an attempt by the failed Mogadishu government to disrupt services provided by private companies operating within Somaliland.
The weak and failing administration in Mogadishu circulated a directive ordering money transfer companies operating in Somaliland to cease using the name “Somaliland.”
The directive, under the guise of protecting what they claim to be the fictitious unity and sovereignty of ‘Somalia’ has been met with firm opposition from Somaliland. According to the Somaliland News Agency (SOLNA), the Somaliland Minister of Information, Culture, and National Guidance Hon. Ali Hassan Mohammed (Ali Mareehan) who also serves as the government spokesperson, issued a stern warning to local companies against complying with these orders from Mogadishu.
The Minister described the Somali government’s letter as a clear indication of its inherent weakness and lack of authority, asserting that issuing such letters is the only recourse left to them.
Minister Ali Mareehan emphasized that Somaliland will not be impacted by unenforceable orders originating from Mogadishu. He reminded the members of the public that the people of Somaliland have already endured and survived the bombings and genocidal attacks carried out by the regime of Siad Barre.
He also indicated that the international community is now reconsidering its recognition of the weak government, which has utterly failed in its mission to extend authority beyond the few square kilometers secured by AU forces in Mogadishu.
Finally, Minister Ali Mareehan warned money transfer companies against complying with Mogadishu’s directive, stating that any company that does so would be committing a serious offense against the six million people of Somaliland.