By Engineer Faisal Ali Warabe, Former Chairman of Somaliland’s UCID Political Party.
The recent visit of Finland’s Interior Minister Meri Rantanen to Somalia, focused primarily on deportation agreements, has cast a harsh light on the deeply flawed policies of many nations regarding the Horn of Africa. While Finland’s pursuit of its national interests is understandable, the engagement with the failed state of Somalia only serves to prop up a dangerous fiction and further endanger the region’s stability.
For over three decades, Somaliland has stood as a beacon of peace and democracy in a region consumed by chaos. We declared our independence in 1991, reclaiming the sovereignty we briefly held in 1960, and embarked on a path of self-determination. Unlike the anarchy and corruption that define Somalia, Somaliland has built a functioning government, held free and fair elections, and fostered a stable environment conducive to progress.
Yet, the international community, clinging to outdated notions of a unified Somalia, continues to engage with the so-called “Federal Government” in Mogadishu. This misguided approach not only ignores the realities on the ground but actively undermines the very forces of stability in the region.
The situation in Somalia is not merely a case of a weak government; it is a descent into utter collapse. Al-Shabaab, a ruthless terrorist organization, controls vast swathes of territory and launches attacks at will, even striking close to the heart of Mogadishu. ISIS-Somalia is thriving, running black-market banks, funding global jihad, and attracting foreign fighters. Piracy has resurged, with its roots deeply entwined with corrupt officials in Mogadishu who profit from the chaos.
The Somali government, far from being a solution, is a major part of the problem. Corruption is rampant, with officials enriching themselves while the country descends further into despair. The government’s authority is so weak that regional states operate with near-total autonomy, and the notion of a unified Somalia exists only on paper.
The recent allegations that the Somali government is aiding Al-Shabaab and the Houthi rebels are deeply concerning and, if proven true, would expose the full extent of the rot. The idea that international aid is being funneled to terrorists is a betrayal of the Somali people and a grave threat to international security.
The international community’s continued support for this charade is not only baffling but also deeply irresponsible. The funds provided to the Somali government are not being used to build a stable state; they are being used to prop up a corrupt regime and, even worse, to undermine Somaliland’s quest for recognition.
The current Somali President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, embodies this failure. His recent interview with the Washington Post was a masterclass in obfuscation and self-delusion. He dismissed Somaliland’s achievements, downplayed the threat of Al-Shabaab, and desperately pleaded for more aid, showcasing a complete lack of vision or competence.
The US Congress is considering formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. This is a welcome development, and we urge other nations to follow suit. Recognizing Somaliland is not about abandoning Somalia; it is about acknowledging the truth and supporting a force for good in a turbulent region.
Somaliland is ready to play its part as a responsible member of the international community. We offer stability, democracy, and a genuine commitment to combating terrorism and promoting regional security. The world can no longer afford to ignore the reality on the ground. It is time to embrace Somaliland and abandon the fiction of a united Somalia before it is too late..
By Engineer Faisal Ali Warabe, Former Chairman of Somaliland’s UCID Political Party.
