All African Borders Rose from Colonial Borders

[Ducaysane_87]

All African Borders Rose from Colonial Borders

The Somali Sections of VOA and BBC Radios sometimes hold political debates on Somaliland cause and its quest for diplomatic recognition. Some participants in the debates raise insincere arguments about the legitimacy of Somaliland national borders calling it “Colonial Borders.” These individuals are either ignorant of the historical origin of current borders of African States or purposefully mislead the listeners. The United Nations, African Union, and African States did not draw or make the current borders of African States. All the borders of African independent states had been drawn by the colonial powers of Europe in the 19th century, before or after The Partition of Africa in 1884, and the independence and recognition of each African State today depend upon its own colonial demarcations or borders. Likewise, all the borders of Asian and South American States also emerged from colonial boundaries drawn by Britain, France and Spain.

It is hypocritical that these anti-Somaliland debaters recognize the legitimacy of the border between Somaliland and Djibouti but challenge the legitimacy of the border running between Somalia and Somaliland knowing that both borders were drawn by colonial powers. The borders of Somalia, Somaliland and Djibouti have the same status and legitimacy because they were all drawn by European Colonizers. Most of such debaters are easily overwhelmed by unattainable ambitions for tribal state that does not exist in Africa or elsewhere and their denial of the legitimacy of Somaliland borders is completely in contrary to the historical realities of African borders. Anyone who opposes the legitimacy of Somaliland borders, its independence and its diplomatic recognition is challenging the borders and sovereignty of all African independent states (54 states) whose borders rose from their colonial borders or demarcations.

Some people confuse Somaliland with Puntland for either ignorance or for futile political reasons. Puntland is an integral part of Somalia because it is located within Somalia`s colonial borders (Italian-drawn borders) with which Somalia achieved independence on July 1st, 1960 and shares people and history with Somalia. Unlike Somaliland Republic, which has the rightful claim of independence and recognition for having its own, unique colonial borders with which it achieved independence and diplomatic recognition on June 26, 1960, Puntland can not be recognized as independent state because it is part of Somalia and because it does not have its own and unique colonial borders that promote independence and recognition in Africa, but it can be federal region within Somalia. If tribal boundaries or tribal states were recognized in Africa, the whole continent would collapse and be plunged into endless, devastating clan wars. That is why the Organization of African Unity solemnly declared in 1964 that all member states pledge themselves to respect the borders existing on their achievement of national independence. Here the borders existing on their achievement of national independence are the colonial borders on which Somaliland achieved independence on June 26, 1960. Another point to make, Somaliland Republic can not let Puntland Administration integrate with it because that would violate Somalia`s sovereignty and borders.

Somaliland was the first of the five-Somali territories to achieve independence from the British Empire on June 26, 1960 based on its existing borders and, before the merger with Somalia on July 1st, 1960, the first Somali country to be recognized by the UN and 35 member nations immediately after independence like the rest of African States. Independent Somaliland was also the first to pioneer the unification between Somaliland and Somalia in quest for Greater Somalia in the Horn of Africa. The union was doomed after Somalia hijacked the governments for the thirty years of its existence (1960-1990) and then committed atrocities against Somaliland people when they rebelled against injustices perpetrated by Somalia. Injustices and atrocities were the major causes that forced Somaliland people to withdraw from the union with Somalia in 1991. The failure of the union does not alter or change the status of Somaliland for claiming legitimate borders, independence and diplomatic recognition.

The Somaliland Congress held in Burao on May 18, 1991 unanimously proclaimed the withdrawal of the Somaliland from the union with Somalia and reclaimed its independence of June 26, 1960 renaming itself: Somaliland Republic. The referendum held in Somaliland on May 31st, 2001 reaffirmed Somaliland sovereignty from Somalia. Somaliland is not a secessionist or a breakaway region from Somalia as anti-Somaliland groups would like to portray it. It just withdrew from the union it joined as an independent state on July 1st, 1960 after it failed in the hands of Somalia. Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia have the same status and legitimacy for independence and diplomatic recognition.

Somaliland and Somalia are not the first two countries in this world whose union ceased to exist. The Soviet Union of 15 Socialist Republics and created by the Bolshevik Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin in 1917 broke up after social upheavals with deep political discontent and came to an end peacefully in 1989 with new countries emerging from it such as Georgia, Ukraine, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia etc. They are all recognized by the UN and international community on the basis of their original borders existing before the union. The federation of former Yugoslavia that had 8 countries broke up after bloody civil wars (1991-1995) and new countries such as Serbia, Croatia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Macedonia, Slovenia, Kosovo etc emerged from its ashes. All are recognized diplomatically too for their original borders existing before the federation. This shows that the unity among countries in a union is not sacred if they disagree but the unity within a country like Somaliland, Djibouti, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda etc is sacred because each country is bound together by its own national borders inherited from colonial powers.

Some Somalis believe that Somaliland should not withdraw from the union with Somalia claiming that all Somalis share language, religion, color, and culture. If this claim were true, the Arab World (Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Libya, Morocco, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Sudan) which has 17 separate independent countries with the same language, religion, color, and culture would have one union today. They do not have any federal union for disagreeing to share one. Over 14 South American countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Guatemala, Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua, El Salvador etc) also share religion (Catholic Church), language (Spanish), culture, and color but they are not required to share union. Sharing language, religion, color, and culture is not convincing factors to share or remain in a union. Justice and fair power-sharing are the most important factors for a union to survive and that is what Somalia failed to understand in the years of the union. Islamic religion commends unity for enhancing strength and power but does not support one that brings death and destruction upon its partners like Somalia did to Somaliland in the decade of 1980-1990, particularly in the years 1988, 1989 and 1990. “Greater Somalia” is like “Greater Arab World” or “Greater South America” which no one knows when such dreams will come true. Some other Somalis believe that only Somaliland and Somalia constitute “Greater Somalia” excluding Djibouti and the occupied territories for opportunistic reasons. Somaliland will not be an easy target again as in the years of the old union.



The occupied Somali territories are of different case. For being a devout Christian Kingdom, Ethiopia survived the European colonization and with the European approval and military support, it annexed the far Western Somalia in 1889 that includes Diridhaba, Harar, Hawas etc. The near region of Western Somalia, which is Hawd and Reserved Area, was colonized with Somaliland and then amalgamated to Ethiopia in 1954 by the Britain. The Somali Northeastern Region (N.F.D) was colonized by Britain too then amalgamated to Kenya in 1963 by Britain. Ethiopia and Kenyan governments are black colonizers in the Horn of Africa today. The peoples of these two regions have the right to struggle for their self-determination.



The place is Africa where tribalism and localism are more important than nationalism and patriotism and where democracy, fair elections, and rule of law are not respected. Chronic tribalism, brutal dictatorships and crippling corruptions are common and normal practice of the day. Any federal government can be easily overthrown at any time by military coups, just like General Siad Barre did in 1969, with the immediate dissolution of elected parliament and constitution. No one can guarantee that this will not happen again in restive Africa. Neither Somaliland people nor the people of Somalia can afford to have another risky union that leads them to another military brutal dictatorship or to a government led by a despot turned-elected president that plunges both peoples into other violent, atrocious civil wars. After the departure of colonial powers from Africa (Between 1950-1970), it fell to brutal African dictators and leaders who killed all hopes and aspirations of African masses that liberated it from Europe, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel yet. Because of the past painful experiences, peoples of Somaliland and Somalia need to have separate, safe, prosperous sisterly states with mutual relations like the Arab countries. Both nations must reject blind patriotism for “Greater Somalia” which is not practical today.



Somaliland Republic will only discuss future relations with a government of Somalia (Former Italian Territory) which is democratically elected and which represents and controls the entire people and territory of Somalia. Somaliland will not meet with a government or parliament that includes individuals claiming to represent Somaliland. Any meeting or discussions with Somalia without fulfilling these two conditions would violate the basics of Somaliland`s sovereignty.



Somaliland, as any African state, has the right to be diplomatically recognized by the United Nations and international community for its current borders that rose from colonial borders. If the African countries do not recognize Somaliland Republic for its own colonial borders as soon as possible, they should know that they put their statehood and sovereignty based on their colonial borders in question. For faster diplomatic recognition, Somaliland needs good governance and fair elections held on time. Somaliland people do not bow to external threats or give up their sovereignty for outside pressure.



Ibrahim Hassan Gagale

Email: ibrahim_hg@yahoo.com

[Khalid Ali]

It is hypocritical that these anti-Somaliland debaters recognize the legitimacy of the border between Somaliland and Djibouti but challenge the legitimacy of the border running between Somalia and Somaliland knowing that both borders were drawn by colonial powers. The borders of Somalia, Somaliland and Djibouti have the same status and legitimacy because they were all drawn by European Colonizers. Most of such debaters are easily overwhelmed by unattainable ambitions for tribal state that does not exist in Africa or elsewhere and their denial of the legitimacy of Somaliland borders is completely in contrary to the historical realities of African borders. Anyone who opposes the legitimacy of Somaliland borders, its independence and its diplomatic recognition is challenging the borders and sovereignty of all African independent states (54 states) whose borders rose from their colonial borders or demarcations.

xaadiis

[usman-84]

All africa borders rose from colonials...but we dont live in the past we live in 2009...we dont use 1933 policies in 2009..the environment has changed and there politics must change with the environment...why doesnt ogaden say they want to go back to italian somaliland border..because they know they can't win that..it is dead argument...separations are decided upon 2009 policies not 1933 policies of colonial borders..anyways that is why ur peeps have been sitting for 17 years without recognition, WHEN u come with 2009 policy u might stand chance..till then 1933 policy has no place in the 2009 world.

Lastly as far as separations are concerned in 21st century...look at eritrea was it becuz of colonial? nope it was because they were majority muslim and addis government was christian dominated...was kosovo separated on the basis of colonial borders? nope..they were separated because they were majority muslim and distinct from serbia's christians...look at east timor, did they separate on portugal colonial borders? nope they separated because they were christians whilst indonesia the government ruling them were muslims.

Sxb colonial this and colonial that won't help u in a white man's world..the white man doesnt give shit about the past but wants to know about the present..and the present is: separations are decided upon ethnicity, religion, or political idealogy like if u propose a democratic government whilcast ur other ppl propose a communist government..u stand a good chance at becoming indepedent..like russia and georgia..georgia given indepedenece the not because they were different ethnicity or religion but because they proposed to have a democratic system unlike russia's government system which was communist based. Thats why georgia was given separation, based on politics..

Colonial border arguement is so pathetic noone uses in the world to separate, u gotta use other ideas to separate...what u think puntland has brewing up

We have it brewing up..we will tell the world just like georgia did when they wanted indepedence..we will say we tried to tell somalis to adopt federal idealogy of government but they refused therefore we must go our separate ways as we dont have the same political visions..the world can now see their good reason to give puntland indepedence just like it gave georgia indepedence because they proposed to have democratic system unlike their rulers who were russian communists.

U see sxb, puntland is just 10 times smarter then u dir n hawiye bastards...and watch us get what we want, if somalia refuses federst idealogy..we stand the best chance of separation as we are using a real world 2009 issue that all ppl can relate to..just like georgia used against russia..

we are genuises of somalia sxb..learn from us..

[Ducaysane_87]

its time to expose the hyprocisy of those who challenge somaliland borders

[AbdiWahab252]

Ducaysane,

It is the Harti who challenge it. If you can not convince the Harti of Sool and Sanaag, how can you convince anyone else ?

[Ducaysane_87]

Ducaysane,

It is the Harti who challenge it. If you can not convince the Harti of Sool and Sanaag, how can you convince anyone else ?

sxb nobody is convincing them its qasab do you think we care what harti thinks? they have two choices either leave the somaliland - and immigrate to puntland or be part of somaliland - or worse 3 - fight for your land - something they are not capable of -

[AbdiWahab252]

Ducaysane,

Qasab Watch out because it is Issaq $$$ that is bribing to Keep Las Canood under not their belief in

[Ducaysane_87]

Ducaysane,

Qasab Watch out because it is Issaq $$$ that is bribing to Keep Las Canood under not their belief in

actually its sland force thats keeping them under sland - and also some are pro somaliland - some dont believe in somaliland - those that dont believe in somaliland or dont want somaliland should immigrate to elsewere in puntland.

but sxb somaliland is clever the method they are using is harti against harti - like some are pro sland and some are pro Pland at the end of the day maxa naga galay - they are the 1s dying and killing each other in las anod

[usman-84]

The white man laughs at somaliland borders claim..1933 borders doesnt apply in the 21st century world...we live in 2009 not 1933..how can anyone use 1933 policy and demand that policy be enacted in 2009??...its not 1960s indepedence years anymore bro..its 2009....then u must bring 2009 policy to convince the world..till then expect to be remain isolated...every charge u brought up there can be refuted 1 by 1, which has already been done so...u gotta test ur policy for loop holes because if ppl find a loop hole and use it against u...thats it for ur chances..

Puntland is already has the coffee brewing and their doing it the smart way with effect policy that will convince the world if somalis fail to accept federalism..

Whilst sland will remain arguing about colonial borders the world will just be saying "step into 2009" and then come n talk to us...

[usman-84]

duceysane qasab? go tell the white qasab he will fockin slap u in the face and say "u will be remained isolated for another 1000 years" u dont decide the rules in the world sxb, u play the fockin rules if u cant then get da fock out the game it is as simple as that...

we are in the game and playing it fockin well

[Ducaysane_87]

Aw check this out the calaacal of hartis - this is a harti political organizations from Facebook





Brainwashed Dulbahante traitors were paid and sent by Somaliland to come into Las Anood waging war on anyone who refuses to allow Somaliland to take over the city. Somaliland is funded by somalis living outside of Somalia, and are unified throughout the U.S, Europe, and Asia. They raise their funds by holding annual conventions, and fundraisers.

Women&Children are being forced to flee their land. If Somaliland is this supposed "recogized" state, that is unified and has so much positive going on for them, then why must they march into territory that does not belong to them. Their goal is to drive people from their land and turn it into a somaliland territory. A minority of Dulbahante men have been fooled in believing that by going into Las Anood and taking land from their own that they will be doing jusitice for their own people. What justice? What respect is Somaliland willing to give you when you have waged war on your own. As an educated Dhulbahante man your expected to unite your people and do the best you can in maintaining your capital city LAS ANOOD. Instead these Somaliland loving traitors have created a police force, which has dismantled the Dulbahante army, captured women, and children and turned them into war prisoners in Alowla Hargeisa. Schools and business have been closed for for weeks. People are hopeless and have turned into refugees. The most heartbreaking is that the fighting is within the clan. Not one Isaac has been killed, so every death is from within the clan. Now what unifying has our Dhulbahante elite done in the Sool, Sanag, and Hawd region? Do these traitors have any sense of brotherhood? What good is their education, experience, power and intelligence if they cannot realize the damage they have created in Las Anood. What does this mean for us who live outside of Somalia who want to come back to our homes, come back to the land of our ancestors?




i am amazed by the lies

[usman-84]

duceysane...as long as we remain u isolated and keep ur ppl poor and in starvation and never recieve multi national investment..maxaa naga galay...u will never ever get indepedence as long as mj is..dont count ur money on it u will live on food aid for the rest of our life, that is our promise to u..

[usman-84]

Either way..puntland will use sool and sanaag to make sure that sland never gets indepedence...u will never be able to borrow money from the world bank to build sland and will live off food aid...noone will invest there and 1 million ppl already starving...2 million will be next..u will slowly be killed thru hunger

that is what we are planning for u to kill u thru hunger and make ur numbers even smaller..and killing hawiye with themselves..darod always the winner

[AbdiWahab252]

Ducaysane,

Unless Issaq go into properly karbash the Harti, there will be no .

You guys let the Harti go in 1991 instead of karbashing them into submission.

[usman-84]

we are fockin genuises bro..u cant beat us in the caqli game...u just walk the loser man...slowly dying thru lack of investments and hunger..their is already 1 million starving in sland..ur population will be having great famine age and ur numbers will be so reduced when u do give up u will be minority in sea of darod..

hawiye will be minimized even further by killings they are committing on themselves...where-as darods kill each other 1 or 2 ppl here..we are planning 1 million fockin famine on..bones sticking out of burco and hargeisa..that is the future goal and that is what will happen if u cant borrow money for the state.