It has come to the attention of the Isaaq Genocide Foundation that Ethiopian Airlines is unfairly targeting travellers to the State of the Republic of Somaliland. The Somaliland diaspora traveling to Hargeisa, Somaliland have informed us that they are forced to acquire visas that claim Hargeisa, the capital city of Somaliland, is in Somalia. Travellers to Hargeisa, Somaliland have been getting their visas upon arrival at Egal International Airport. We wonder what has prompted Ethiopian Airlines to take such a drastic step, that causes many of its loyal customers such angst.
The Isaaq Genocide Foundation reminds Ethiopian Airlines that the State of Somaliland is a country bordered by Ethiopia to the South, Djibouti to the West, Somalia to the East, and the Gulf of Aden as its natural border. Hargeisa is the capital city of Somaliland, a city in which the Statehood of Somaliland was signed into being. Somaliland gained independence from the United Kingdom on 26th June 1960. Its right to self-determination and existence as a state was established then. This independence has not been forfeited and transferred to another jurisdiction. Somalia has no rights over Somaliland, and its illegal claim over Somaliland must be rebuked rather than rewarded.
Ethiopian Airlines must realize that its denial of the existence of Somaliland goes against many international laws. We urge the Airlines to refrain from assisting Somalia in its illegal claims over Somaliland. Somalia annexed and occupied Somaliland from July 1960 to 1991. Somalilanders fought back against a brutal genocidal regime to reinstate their sovereignty on May 18th, 1991. Many of these travellers might have experienced the brutality of the Siad Barre regime. We are in solidarity with the diaspora Somalilanders forced to experience the denial of their country and their existence while travelling to their homeland.
The Isaaq Genocide Foundation reminds Ethiopian Airlines that one of the indigenous groups of Somaliland, the Isaaq people, are still a persecuted group by Somalia. The Isaaqs suffered a brutal state-sponsored genocide by Somalia. UN Special Rapporteur Chris Mburu, in 2001, concluded in his report that the Isaaq Genocide was conceived, planned, and perpetrated by Somalia. Justice has not yet been rendered to the Isaaq people. We hope Ethiopian Airlines will stand in solidarity with the Isaaq people in their pursuit of justice.
Somalia denies the Isaaq Genocide. The Isaaq people’s protection needs have not yet been met. Genocide denial is the number one indicator that another genocide shall occur. It is our utmost belief that Ethiopian Airlines will adhere to international law and immediately cease its claims that Somaliland is part of Somalia. We sincerely hope this matter is immediately addressed in an amicable manner.