It is time to speak frankly.
Many former Ex-Italian-Somali (South-Somalia) intellectuals, academics, and politicians appear to be preoccupied with the political affairs of the Republic of Somaliland, while conveniently overlooking the enormous challenges confronting their own country. They continue to knock on the wrong door, investing their intellectual energy and political resources in a matter that requires neither their permission nor their approval.
Let us remind them of a fundamental political reality The people of Somaliland made their decision not to remain in the union with Southern Somalia. In 1991, Somaliland restored its independence following the collapse of the Somali Republic, which had been established in 1960. That political union came to an end, and Somaliland embarked on its own political journey.
Whether some people accept this reality or not does not change the historical and political position of Somaliland.
After 35 years, it is reasonable to ask the intellectuals and politicians of former Italian Somalia a fundamental question:
For more than three decades, your country has struggled to establish effective national institutions, lasting political stability, and a functioning system of governance. The federal arrangement you adopted has not delivered the peace, unity, and institutional stability that the Somali people were promised.
Political confrontations between Villa Somalia and Federal Member States continue. Armed conflicts persist in different parts of the country. National institutions remain fragile, and the security sector continues to face serious questions concerning its independence, inclusiveness, and national representation.
There are also serious allegations concerning the mismanagement and disposal of public assets and the weakening of state institutions under successive administrations, particularly the current leadership.
These are not minor political disagreements. They are fundamental questions about the survival, credibility, and future of your state.
Now, compare this with Somaliland.
Over the same period, Somaliland has developed its own political institutions, conducted six presidential elections, and elected four presidents through direct universal suffrage under a multiparty democratic system.
This achievement deserves serious political and academic examination, regardless of one’s position on Somaliland’s international recognition.
What is particularly difficult to understand is why intellectuals, academics, and experienced politicians continue to spend so much time debating Somaliland’s internal affairs while their own political house remains in such disarray.
Where is that same intellectual energy when it comes to rebuilding national institutions?
Where is the same political determination when federal authorities are in conflict with one another?
Where is the same academic scrutiny when questions arise about public resources, national security, corruption, and the accountability of those governing your country?
Why is Somaliland constantly on your political agenda when the most urgent national problems are at your own doorstep?
An intellectual’s responsibility is to confront reality, not escape from it. A politician’s duty is to serve the people, not to distract them from the failures of governance.
We respectfully but firmly advise you to redirect your attention towards the internal affairs of your own country.
Concentrate on building a functioning federal system. Establish genuine national institutions. Create an inclusive and professional national army. Resolve political disputes between federal and regional authorities. Protect public assets. Fight corruption. Restore public confidence in government and give your people a reason to believe in their country’s future.
These are the responsibilities that demand your experience, knowledge, and political leadership.
Somaliland is not responsible for the political failures of your country, and its people should not be expected to put their political future on hold because others have failed to resolve their own problems.
You cannot build a nation by constantly questioning the political choices of your neighbors. You cannot establish credible leadership while ignoring failures within your own administration. And you cannot lecture others about statehood when your own state-building project remains unfinished.
My message is neither an invitation to hostility nor a rejection of dialogue. It is a call for political maturity, intellectual honesty, and respect for the choices of peoples.
Respect Somaliland’s political journey. Accept that its people have their own political aspirations and priorities. Stop treating Somaliland as a permanent subject of political obsession.
You have a country that needs your attention, a population that needs effective leadership, institutions that need rebuilding, and a political system that urgently needs reform.
Put your own house in order. Rebuild your nation. Resolve your internal divisions. Establish credible institutions.
And when you have made meaningful progress in those responsibilities, we can sit down and discuss matters of mutual interest as neighbours.
Until then, stop knocking on Somaliland’s door. Your own house is the one that needs urgent attention.
Respect political realities. Respect the people’s choices. Build your own nation first.
About the author :
Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a senior consultant. He has also studied international diplomacy and is a political analyst and writer known for his detailed commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analyzing current policies in the region and is a strong supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland. He can be reached at: tra50526@gmail.com
Editor’s Note: Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com
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