Somalia’s recent declaration, labeling the Republic of Somaliland as an enemy and threatening war, is a stark reminder of the brutal and devastating Isaaq genocide. This ominous threat is a clear indication of Somalia’s intention to continue its campaign of violence and persecution against the people of Somaliland.
The Isaaq genocide, orchestrated by Somalia’s regime, resulted in the massacre of hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, displaced hundreds of thousands more, and left a trail of destruction in its wake. Despite the severity of these atrocities, the Isaaq genocide remains unrecognized internationally, leaving the wounds unhealed and the grievances unaddressed.
To understand the true nature of Somalia’s aggression, it is crucial to acknowledge the historical context of Somaliland’s struggle and its unique history. Somaliland gained independence through the Royal Proclamation of the United Kingdom on June 26th, 1960. However, just five days later, instead of pursuing the agreed-upon unification between the two countries and legally rectifying it, Somalia unilaterally annexed and militarily occupied the newly independent state of Somaliland. This occupation lasted until 1991, when the Somali National Movement (SNM) liberated Somaliland and restored its sovereignty
The Isaaq genocide’s legacy continues to profoundly impact Somaliland’s social and political landscape. The absence of recognition and accountability for these heinous crimes has fostered a culture of impunity, allowing perpetrators to act without fear of consequence. Moreover, survivors of the genocide continue to face persecution and are left without protections, while their state, the Republic of Somaliland, is under attack.
Somalia’s recent actions are a clear escalation of its aggression towards Somaliland. The order to international airlines, specifically Ethiopian Airlines and FlyDubai, as well as to the main financial institutions, not to use the name “Somaliland” in their operations is a deliberate attempt to erase Somaliland’s identity and Statehood. This move delegitimizes Somaliland’s existence and paves the way for further persecution and violence against its people. By erasing Somaliland’s identity, Somalia is attempting to create a conducive environment to carry out and continue the Isaaq genocide. This is a blatant attempt to rewrite history and deny the people of Somaliland their right to exist as an independent sovereign State.
The situation poses a significant threat to people of Somaliland due to Somalia’s aggressive actions. It is essential that the world acknowledges the atrocities committed during the Isaaq genocide and provide justice to the victims. The Horn of Africa is on the brink of another humanitarian disaster, and immediate action is necessary to prevent it. History has shown the devastating consequences of inaction in the face of such atrocities. The international community must learn from past mistakes and take decisive action to ensure the region can move towards a more peaceful future. The time to act is now, and the world must come together to prevent another genocide from happening in the region.
Somalia’s aggressive actions must be condemned in the strongest terms possible. The international community must take a firm stance against Somalia’s aggression and protect the people of Somaliland from further violence and persecution.