Why Somaliland needs democracy more than ever?

In late December of last year, Israel made the daring decision to recognize Somaliland, a pivotal region in the Horn of Africa, as its own state. This decision, which was announced by the president of Somaliland, Irro, and the Prime Minister of Israel, Netanyahu, sent shock waves across the Muslim and non-Muslim countries. Waves of uproar and opposition to this new shift rose across the region. With some regions feeling regret, some feeling threatened and some feeling that they lost their chance and now Somaliland was getting the attention it deserved.

Despite its strategic position in the Red Sea, opposite to Bab-el Mandeb Strait, which serves as the back door to the world’s trade and a critical passage way which was governed by other countries but not ones with the same position and the same potential. Israel will get Red Sea security, maritime trade routes, relations with East Africa. In addition to the hidden pros of the country, which could be said as the last line of defense against terror in the Horn of Africa. The US and Israel have both faced significant challenges from terrorism. The USA intervened in Somalia in the nineties but had to pull back due to the state being a failure and due to it being a lost cause. Now, both superpowers (Israel and America) should view Somaliland as a cooperative, Western-leaning, Muslim country that is ready to do its part and not looking for any long-term financial dependence on foreign partners, as most Muslim majority countries do. This is only possible with a visionary leader, not blinded by radicalism, hate, or lack of adaptability to the new world order. In no way should Somaliland be led by anyone who might even be on the Jihadist spectrum or someone who believes in anything but democracy. This should be the fine line and Israel should be ready to intervene politically if needed. Israel and other international democratic partners should encourage Somaliland’s democracy while respecting the will of its citizens. If not then expect a whole region of terrorist exporting countries, which means a whole lot of trouble to deal with.

Somaliand’s people are ready to lead their country, but it takes time for a rural society, with history of suffering genocide, discrimination and power choke hold, which to be fair resembles another one who is now the model for ;”how to build a country from scratch”, aka Israel.

With the 2029 election being on the calendar, Somaliland’s future hangs on the hands of Israel, then its citizens. The two candidates of the leading party Waddani and the opposition party ;KAAH, with both not having the best reputation with democracy and power.Belonging to the same tribe and serving as cabinet ministers under Silanyo (2010-2017). Hersi and Hashi were known for kinship and nepotism, Which gave the nation a good look at their capacity and are well tried.

Hersi, criticized for being in a position inconsistent with human rights.

He’s frequently termed as “Waddaad”, which translates to “Mullah”, AKA a religious individual with ties to shady organizations. Hashi has the same plus fraud and lack of transparency accusations ,but being popularized as a better candidate due his expertise in clan rallying ,speaking and convincing maneuvers. These CVs are not enough to lead a newly recognized country, which needs its best. That’s why some are saying President Irro may run a second term, which would be better until the bad clouds clear. Then the dream might come true. Somaliland might be the next big thing the world has to see.