By Mohamed Ali

Ottowa (Sunatimes) When listened to the speeches of the international leaders at the Conference on Somalia hosted by UK, it is beyond a reasonable doubt that the International Communities have come to a unanimous agreement to help Somalia to once and for all become a nation again.

The International Communities have reached a verdict before the conference was convened, punishing any group or a warlord who works or sabotage this road map for peace. The speeches and the ultimate warnings in those speeches have underlined the urgency of the outcome of the conference. Some people argue on the fate of Somaliland. People have to read between the lines in order they understand Somaliland dilemma. In the conference and in the speeches, Somaliland was not in the minds of the International leaders. The name Somaliland has never come up or mentioned even once in the speeches. The speakers talked about the importance of Somali Groups coming together and negotiate peacefully in the watch of International Communities. The leaders have all supported the outcome of the recent GROOWE II conference to be the foundation for any Somali peace process in future. All groups except Somaliland were mentioned in most of the speeches. The reason for ignoring Somaliland is not to be explained but can be understood from the International resolve.

Somaliland politicians were hopeful that the International Community is ready to listen to the appeal for recognition. However, it seems that the hope and the dream have both been buried in London, in the meeting hall. Despite all the efforts from many Somalilanders including the delegate from Somaliland and the demonstrators from UK and those from Europe, as well as the appeals to some UK politicians, all the pleas were not heeded and ignored by all international participants in the conference. Anyone who reads or listens to the speeches of delegates from UK, USA,UN, AU, Arab league, France, Qatar, Uganda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Turkey, and many others, will witness and applaud for the International Verdict.

The irony is some Somalilanders still doubt the International resolve and living in dreams that would never materialize. It is very unfortunate that Somalilanders have been lied to. The speech prepared for Siiraanyo to read in the conference wasnot taken out from his pocket. Mr. Siiraanyo and his colleagues knew all along that Somaliland cannot be separated from Somalia but for known reasons put the population of Somaliland in the lurch. The Somalilanders who are well informed about the AU and UN intentions knew that Somaliland communities are part and parcel of Somalia.

The conference was begun before it has started in London and the outcome was ready to be read to participants. After the opening remarks, the conference was split into three groups: Political process, security, stability and recovery. Also after these groups came together and the meeting was adjoined, another high level meeting of a smaller group consisting of UN Secretary General, Chairman of the African Union, US Secretary of State, and the Prime Minister of Somalia was held at the Foreign and commonwealth Office. These meetings and the ones prior to the Conference show that the International Community is determined this time to honestly broker a deal for Somalia. They are also determined to punish the culprits of the disasters in Somalia. They told clearly in their speeches that the International Communities can no longer tolerate to such disasters.

Those from Somaliland who still doubt the determination of the 50 plus strong nations are better listen to those speeches at here: http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL355FA9D26E47A9B0

In general the Conference was successful. Somalia will be better of Federalism, but the contentious issues regarding the division of regions will spoil the success. Putting regions of different clans together is a mistake that needs to be revisited.Somalia had 18 regions and in each region there is almost and solely for one tribe and in order Federalism to be successful, those 18 regions must be respected. Once again I would like you to see this map of Somalia which has been registered since Somalia’s independence under the United Nations: