State Department of the United States, which prides itself as the protector and uncontested champion in the promotion of peace and democracy around the world dismally failed to deliver on its commitments to the Republic of Somaliland at a time it so direly needed the support of what it thought was a democratic ally.
The United States, through its State Department, instead, struck the only truly democratic nation in the Horn of Africa in the back in a statement that did not only smite it badly but which that also fully supported an amalgam of terrorists, Puntland of Somalia forces and a motley of militias most of whom crossing over from border with Somalia to take over Las Anod of Somaliland’s Sool region forcefully. These forces, using the city as a big war trench, have been waging relentless attacks against Somaliland army positions surrounding the city but not engaging them in it to spare city structures that were not yet demolished by the marauding forces to blame them on Somaliland shelling.
Both the heading and the content shocked not only Somalilanders everywhere but Americans themselves as well as more informed political analysts and diplomats in the region.
The statement touched on a non-existent ceasefire that has long been broken on a number of occasions by the invaders.
To make matters worse, it cited a statement by so-called peace envoys comprising staunch supporters (above) of Somalia’s former President, Mohamed Abdullahi Farmajo, who is widely recognized as the mastermind behind the attempted takeover of Las Anod.
“The United States is increasingly concerned by the continuing violence in Las Anod and joins other international partners and neighbors in calling for de-escalation, adherence to the agreed ceasefire, unhindered humanitarian access, and resumption of constructive dialogue towards peaceful resolution. Continued violence will increase the potential for extremist groups to sow broader instability and further exacerbate the ongoing humanitarian crisis,” the statement said.
In at least one paragraph, the State Department completely sided with the invaders making it appear like Somaliland was open for multiple splits geographically and politically.
“We call on Somaliland to pull back its security forces as a demonstration of its commitment to these principles,” it began in one paragraph, continuing to bestow undeserved praise on the Somalia Federal Government – an avowed foe of Somaliland’s restored sovereignty and a false contender for jurisdiction and its re-domination.
“We support the Federal Government of Somalia’s constructive engagement and deployment of a clan elders’ delegation and welcome Somaliland President Bihi’s commitment to meet with the delegation in Hargeisa,” the State Department said revealing its poor grasp of facts and figures on the ground in another testimony to why the United States was losing its grip on world politics and informed diplomacy.
The statement addressed forces that are parallelly led by known terrorist commanders and generals in the pay of the varied security and army forces of Somalia as an equal party to the government of the Republic of Somaliland and the only confirmed, loyal ally to the United States in the Horn of Africa with other states are so deeply indebted to China.
“We call on the militias in Las Anod to refrain from any offensive actions against Somaliland forces,” it said.
Compounding its obtuseness and insensitivity to a Somaliland struggling under a predicament its enemies have been building up for the past 15 years, the statement goes on to reprimand the government for not setting a timeline for elections as it can ignore the looming threat of terrorism taking over its country and its wider implications on both national and regional security.
“We also note with concern that Somaliland’s presidential elections have been delayed since November 2022, well beyond the timing set forth in Somaliland’s constitution. We call on the Somaliland authorities to set a clear timeline and complete the elections as soon as possible. The United States stands ready to use authorities under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act to restrict the issuance of visas to current or former Somali officials or other individuals who are believed to be responsible for, or complicit in, undermining the democratic process in Somalia, including in Somaliland,” the statement blandly puts on ink.
The statement comes out at a time the very existence of Somaliland is at risk. That democracy and the principles of peace, stability, regional co-existence, and the spirit of freedom are under threat seems to have completely eluded the State Department.
The statement adversely contradicts suggestions in the United States National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) which proposed heightened political and security engagement with Somaliland rightly seeing it as it was a viable partner and a nation that has for more than 32 years warded off all kinds of daunting challenges in a region characterized with conflict and extremism.
Condemnation of the State Department statement, sampled below, was swift and deservedly scathing on social media, especially Twitter, coming from all corners of the world.
Somaliland is a sovereign country that always abides by international law. We have offered the militias an unconditional ceasefire, but they have refused the Ethiopian government's mediation. We will not hesitate to defend our territories. https://t.co/6sut4XE2Sd
— Abdiqani Mahamoud Ateye (@AbdiqaniMin) March 31, 2023
US Govt Statement on #Somaliland misses mark. While portion on Lascanood fighting is balanced, calling out nation for delayed elections – without mentioning that #Somalia has a much worse record – is patently unfair and selective.https://t.co/6CzSfS9i5N
— Tibor Nagy (@TiborPNagyJr) March 31, 2023
Another disgrace from the @StateDept by misinformed officers. Which other country is democratic? The U.S. is neglecting Somaliland, the only democratic African country that confronted China. If the U.S. doesn't carefully follow its Africa Policy, there is a risk of shifting! https://t.co/oYOFYHR7rY
— Charles William (@CharleswilliamP) April 1, 2023
Worst blunder against #Somaliland by @SecBlinken & the @StateDept confirming US foreign policy on death throes. Somaliland chose u but u lost it again by supporting @M_Farmaajo's invasion. Somaliland has a right to choose new partners. See Head of Mog delegation below. @POTUS https://t.co/ac9iApcKHm pic.twitter.com/d3sJNygfzY
— Hassan Heiss (@JIbrahimj) March 31, 2023
.
https://twitter.com/DrJPPham/status/1641593100903563266?s=20
Somaliland doesn't need any advice from the @StateDept how to hold free and fair elections. https://t.co/BoswKLFZgM
— Somalilanders (@Somaalilanders) April 1, 2023
https://twitter.com/GulfOfBerbera/status/1641963014072025091?s=20
There are 20+ nations surrounding #Somaliland who never had elections or did not have it for decades; and DoS told #Somaliland elections r late by 1 year. This is the clearest example of stupidity. Also, if #Somaliland moves it’s forces back Al Shabaab will move in, then what? https://t.co/IC9QVObIEZ
— Dr. Rashid Garuf (@somalilandusa) April 1, 2023
Breaking: Member of #Puntland Parliament MP Farah Mohamed Dalmar captured in battle in Lasanod by #Somaliland armed forces.
According to the gov of #Somaliland, its forces were attacked by militias in #Lasanod.
This comes a day after @StateDept issued a statement on #Lasanod. pic.twitter.com/Fo2LHrrplA
— Somaliland Chronicle (@SomalilandChro1) April 1, 2023
