Somaliland, before 1960, had more economic trade and other relations with French Somaliland and Ethiopia, it opted for unity with Mogadishu for the sake of that larger cause. It was not to be and yet the union between Hargeisa and Mogadishu became sour. The union kicked off without real negotiations and sound legal foundations (this was the fault of the people and leadership of Somaliland). It started with
inequality with Somaliland being treated as simply a backyard province rather than a country, which sacrificed its sovereignty for the sake of larger unity. As long as the democratic system was in place people entertained the hope that change for the better was possible. But after the military coup a slow process of recolonizing Somaliland by Somalia began until, in the later years of the regime, it culminated in total suppression, destruction, and attempted genocide. In such conditions, resistance was inevitable. In 1991, the resistance succeeded, the regime disintegrated, Somaliland restored its sovereignty, and Somalia ran into uncontrollable mayhem which is still continuing.
By: Prof. Ibrahim Meygaag Samatar
He was a Cabinet member of the Siyad Barre regime for nine years and then his Ambassador in Bonne for one year. In 1981 he left the goverment and joined the SNM
Today:
My question is, we need to know what contributes to the will of seccecion in the north, other then Siad barres ruthless bombing.
Was North Somalia active in taking part of the decicions in the goverment? Was the Isaaq ignored and insignificant in those days politics? What do you think of the article?