Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is an obvious decision. Sweden and Europe have now turned to recognition, a Swedish Parliamentarian

Stockholm (ANN)- Israel’s recognition is not only fair, it is also strategic. An independent Somaliland is a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism, piracy and irregular migration. The country already has deep security cooperation with several countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. With Israel’s recognition comes the possibility of formal trade agreements, investments and a clear alternative to the authoritarian model that is spreading in the region. he said

According to statment  varldenidag.se/”Israel’s recognition is strategic – an independent Somaliland is a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism, piracy and irregular migration.”

“We can no longer turn a blind eye to the fact that in practice we are punishing a people for having succeeded where many thought it was impossible,”he said.

When Israel is now the first UN state to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state, a new chapter is written in the modern history of Africa. It is a decision that does not come a day too soon. For over three decades, Somaliland has shown the world that peace, democracy and development are possible even in one of the world’s most troubled regions – without having received the international recognition it so clearly deserves.

Somaliland is not a new phenomenon. Back in 1991, it unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia after suffering greatly under the Siad Barre dictatorship and the subsequent civil war. Unlike the rest of Somalia, Somaliland chose a different path: reconciliation between clans, demobilization of militias, reconstruction of society and gradual, free elections.

Today, the country has a functioning constitution, a multi-party system, regular presidential and parliamentary elections that have been judged free and fair by international observers, and a growing economy where the port of Berbera is becoming an increasingly important hub in the Red Sea and a hub for the entire African continent.

All of this has happened without a single penny in aid. On the contrary, Somaliland has often been punished for its success. While billions of kronor have been pumped into Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu – often without visible results – Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, has been left to fend for itself.

Yet, it has succeeded in what so many others have failed to do: build a stable, democratic state on the Horn of Africa.

Israel’s recognition is not only fair, it is also strategic. An independent Somaliland is a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism, piracy and irregular migration. The country already has deep security cooperation with several countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom. With Israel’s recognition comes the possibility of formal trade agreements, investments and a clear alternative to the authoritarian model that is spreading in the region.

It would not be a day too early for Sweden and the rest of the free world to follow suit. Sweden has long been a proud voice for democracy and human rights. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the fact that we are in practice punishing a people for succeeding where many thought it was impossible.
Continuing to treat Somaliland as part of collapsed Somalia is not neutrality – it is actively opposing a successful democracy.

An independent Somaliland is a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism, piracy and irregular migration.

Recognition of Somaliland is not a departure from the principle of the inviolability of African borders – it is a recognition of the reality on the ground. When a people has shown for three decades that they can and want to govern themselves in peace and democracy, then the world has a moral obligation to listen.
Israel is now leading the way. Let Sweden be among the first in Europe to follow suit. Said Magnus Oscarsson (KD)
Chairman of the Swedish-Somaliland parliamentary friendship association.

By Arraale M Jama Freelance Journalist and Human Rights activist.

Araweelo News (often spelled Araweelonews orAraweelo News NetworkNetwork) is an online news agency, focused on the Horn of Africa, particularly Somaliland, Somalia, and nearby countries. It publishes news, commentary, social and political analysis, cultural pieces, and human-rights reporting. two languages English/ Somali. The platform was established and is operated by Somali journalist Arraale M. Jaama and aims to inform Somali-speaking audiences both locally, the diaspora and international with up-to-date coverage of regional issues.

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