Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Mogadishu (Agenzia Fides) – A state not recognized by the international community, where democracy seems more solid than other African states that are part of the UN and African Union... This is the paradox of Somaliland, the former British colony in northern Somalia that declared its independence in 1991 and where the June 26 presidential elections were won by opposition leader Ahmed Mohamud Silaanyo.
The outgoing President, Dahir Riyale Kahin, immediately conceded defeat, saying that "it had been a fair vote and eventually someone had to be the winner. I congratulate President Mohamud Ahmed Silaanyo and his Kulmiye party for winning.” The outgoing Head of State also said that "being the creator of the democratic foundations of Somaliland, I am not trying to dispute the progress that has been made." In a continent where presidents are elected for life, this comes as an unusual statement.
The new President, who scored 50% of the votes cast against Riyale's 33%, said that he intends to intensify the efforts already undertaken by his predecessor to obtain international recognition of Somaliland.
The situation of this region contrasts with the rest of Somalia, which is in the grip of a civil war fought between the troops of the transitional government in Mogadishu (supported by a contingent of the African Union) and a series of rebel movements, the main one being the Shabab, a militia whose ideology is tied to Islamic extremism.
The Shabab have rejected the elections in Somaliland and have also prohibited celebrations for the 50th anniversary of Somalia's independence (July 1, 1960). (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 03/07/2010)
