http://www.somalilandtimes.net/sl/2011/498/3.shtml
Hargeysa, Somaliland, August 13, 2011 (SL Times) – UN Envoy to Somalia Mr. Augustine Mahiga visited Somaliland last week, and was interviewed, in Hargeysa, by Somaliland Times’ editor, Yusuf Abdi Gabobe.
Here are excerpts from the interview:
Question: A lot of people in Somaliland are often confused about the purpose and relevance of your visits to this country. Can you clarify to the public why you come here from time to time?
Answer: I come here from time to time because it is within my mandate to see and understand what is happening in the region whether it is Somalia or Somaliland. This time I have come specifically to make an assessment of the humanitarian situation in the light of the current serious drought that is affecting not only Somaliland but also other countries in the Horn of Africa like Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, Djibouti and we need to know how to respond. This is the worst-drought that has ever happened in 60 years. In some parts of the Horn especially in south-central Somalia, the drought has developed into famine. Famine is the most critical part of any drought. I want to thank the people and government of Somaliland for their good governance in managing this drought to prevent it from developing into famine, as it has developed in some parts of south-central Somalia.
Q: Famine has been declared in Somalia but Somaliland is also being affected by the drought. However the UN and aid organizations are doing nothing to assist in preventing the drought in Somaliland from developing into the kind of famine that is now gripping Somalia. Isn’t it time to start paying attention to the current deteriorating drought situation in Somaliland before it becomes too late?
A: Absolutely that is what brought me here: first of all to acknowledge what this government has done to mitigate the impact of the drought and prevent it developing into famine but also to see the extent to which there are still gaps and the needed responses in order to contain the drought as well as the medium and long-term measures and policies that need to be supported by the international community to prevent future droughts.
It is also important to see the extent which the international community can help Somaliland link up with other regional strategies in coping with this environmental disaster and the worst impact of climate change.
Q: Your office is criticized for not including in your reports to the UN Secretary General any reference to the determination and aspirations of Somalilanders to stay as a country independent of Somalia, in addition to suppressing any information regarding Somaliland’s valuable contributions to regional security, counter-terrorism and the fight against piracy?
A: I just told the vice president that the international community appreciates the international role played by Somaliland as a respectable member of the international community in areas like security, piracy, international terrorism, humanitarian matters, environmental responses and all issues that cut across national borders. In your de facto presence you have demonstrated your ability and we all shall have to recognize and appreciate those efforts. As far as my reports are concerned certainly I cannot go against the wishes of Somaliland people. This is what you have defined for yourself and the rest of the international community is watching.
So it is not for me to pronounce myself on the future status [of Somaliland]. But I can say that there is an interest in seeing what is happening in Somaliland in the area of governance, democratic dispensation, human rights and your expected international roles in issues of regional and international concerns especially those related to international peace and security which the [UN] Security Council supervises. Right now the issue of piracy has been classified as a threat to international peace and security and Somaliland has been at the forefront in the fight against piracy. I think these needs to be recognized and I will be the first person to tell the international community what Somaliland is doing in those areas.
Interview With UN Envoy To Somalia Augustine Mahiga
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Re: Interview With UN Envoy To Somalia Augustine Mahiga
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