Development has been realized through peace
(Editorial)
Hassan Husein Abdi - University of Hargeisa
People living in Somaliland do not feel it, but anyone coming from
abroad can see the difference between the era of destruction and
today. I am not referring to the general reconstruction or
individual efforts of rebuilding their own houses, but to progress
in administration, socio-economic development and peace. Late
president of Somaliland, Egal (father of the nation) was ones
quoted , “We have been left alone, but we solved our problems and we
have accomplished a miracle”. First the peace have been placed
through conferences, then disarmament and repatriation has followed.
In the absence of international community, Somaliland achieved a
lot.
The Universities of Amoud, Hargeisa, Burao, Berbera and the others
which are under process, are the first these cities ever had. The
country’s light industries and many factories are being built in the
country, to create jobs.
This is in addition to the booming trade and the reconstruction of
houses destroyed. All these achievements and others not mentioned
here, would not have been accomplished if peace and security were
not maintained. International community does not deny that
Somaliland is the most peaceful and democratic country in the Horn
of Africa. We created real democratic government and recognizable
state. In 2001we held a referendum that approved a constitution and
reaffirmed its, independence 97% voters approved the constitution.
There was presidential election in 2003 and parliamentary election
on Sept 29, 2005.
The transportation of food aid through the port of Berbera to
Ethiopia and other agreements within in the neighboring countries
using the port of Berbera as a gateway, is sufficient evidence for
the peace that exist in Somaliland. We call on all Somalilanders to
preserve the peace they are enjoying and defend it from disturbance.
