Somaliland's Foreign Minister said, quote: "Ethiopia is working on economy, diplomacy and security issues that we expect will help us to achieve our final goal, which is full diplomatic recognition," Somaliland Foreign Minister Dr. Abdullahi Omar told The Reporter. The enthusiastic minister had been part of a delegation led by President Ahmed Silanyo-- SNM founder and former rebel leader. President Silanyo and his delegation were received by the Ethiopian Foreign Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn, in a mundane visit to Addis Ababa.The meeting with the FM Desalegn was not any different than the routine 'fruitless' visits Northwest enclaves' leaders made to Addis Ababa, in the past. However the minister came to that conclusion, it seems another political spin and bewilderment to reason probable cause to exaggerate what he gleaned from the promiscuous meetings Silanyo had with the deceptive Ethiopians. Mr. Omar would like us to believe that this time the despotic 'Wayanes' are serious enough about what they said on the recognition issue.
In general, it's been customary for the separatist representatives to attend conventional donor meetings for their share of the international aid. Likewise, Meles loyalists in Hargeisa periodically respond to Addis calls--often from low key officials who have a say in the enclave's affairs. Definitely, the Ethiopians have genuine reasons to keep the illegal affair going as long as the separatists are willing to serve Ethiopia's interests. Somaliland Intelligence Agency co- conspire with Zenawe's Wayane Secret Police. The two collaborated and made sweep arrests in Hargeisa. Such raids are perpetrated against members of the ONLF (Ogaden National Liberation Movement) and innocent civilians from the Ogaden Region. Somaliland's lunatic CID (Criminal Investigation Department) hunts down anyone suspected to have links to the ONLF. Women and children are subjected to torture and harassment--forced to spy and testify against their own, through coercion and intimidation.
For the past 20 years Hargeisa has been servant for the 'Wayane' interests-- oppressing ethnic Ogadens. To that extent, on the pretext of the 'war on terror,' Somaliland Intelligence Agency in collaboration with the notorious Ethiopian Secret Police, had persecuted, tortured and deported hundreds of Ogadenia inhabitants who escaped from the genocide perpetrated on them by the Ethiopian Military.
Nonetheless, Ethiopia's stand on the 'recognition' question did not accelerate despite the secessionists' unconditional cooperation. As it appears, the wishful thinking of the SNM neo-fascistic shameless claims continue to fall into deaf ears--The African Union stipulated in its Charter, "...determined to safeguard and consolidate the hard-won independence as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our states, and to fight against neo-colonialism in all its forms." Clearly, the AU have discredited Somaliland's quest for independence, and warned against further sub-divisions of the African Continent, a continent mired by border disputes and tribal clashes.
Moreover, Addisababa, the Ethiopian capital and Meles Zenawi's privileged stronghold is the seat for the AU. Equally important, Ethiopia has more than 200 ethnicities and close to 80 million population, therefore to promote co-existence amongst different ethnicities in Ethiopia, is a fundamental issue for the Ethiopian government.
Indeed, Ethiopia has no interest in providing 'diplomatic recognition for any separating part of Somalia for the sole reason that Ethiopia itself has both internal and external problems. The Meles Zenawi goverment has lots to ponder in particular the war on the Nile with Egypt; unsettled border disputes with Eritria; the rebellion movements gaining more ground in many parts of Ethiopia (ONLF, OLF and AMARA movements, etc).
Conclusion:
Minister Abdillahi Omar has probably magnified Addis Ababa's intentions, and his endeavors became counterproductive--his blunt statement has not achieved new favors.
In essence, the relationship between Ethiopia and Somaliland has been rather a 'constant' one and should remain so.
In essence, the relationship between Ethiopia and Somaliland has been rather a 'constant' one and should remain so.
Furthermore, Ethiopia has established a multi-ethnic federal system (autonomous regions) to foster co-existence and commune diversity. For that reason, Ethiopia cannot have it both ways: dividing Somalia, a culturally homogeneous nation and keeping its country together. "Charity begins at home" is a famous saying, Meles is better of keeping Somalia together than dividing it because of the political under-current in his own backyard.
By: Mohamud Ahmed Terror Free Somalia Foundation Horn of Africa Political Analyst
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