Sudanese Foreign minister’s remarks on Somaliland
Posted By Qalinle On February 4, 2010 @ 7:07 am In Africa | 1 Comment
ADDIS ABABA (Somalilandpress) — The Foreign Minister of Sudan, Mr. Deng Alor, who is currently in Addis Ababa for the annual African Union Heads of State summit gave a brief interview with members of Somaliland media.
Mr. Alor spoke extensively about the current situation in the Horn of Africa, and in particular the issue of Somaliland’s de-jure recognition and the deteriorating situation in Somalia.
Mr. Alor, the Sudanese Foreign minister stated “It is imperative that African leaders take stronger steps in addressing the deteriorating situation in Somalia. There are high level discussions all across Africa on what to do about Somalia; There is peace and progress in Somaliland which has given hope to the people there, but why can’t the same be achieved in Mogadishu?”
Sudan plays a key role in IGAD and the AU, and has shown its willingness to participate in several attempts to alleviate the worsening situation in Somalia.
Responding to a question from the Somaliland media regarding Somaliland role as an example to Somalia in bringing about peace and democracy, Mr. Alor remarked “Yes, it is possible for Somalia to achieve similar things; stability, peace, dialogue, inclusion, and so on, to give the people hope, but, once again, we come to the same question, if this possible in Somaliland, why not in Somalia?”
On a similar theme, Mr. Deng Alor addressed the question of why some African nations seem reluctant to face the issue of Somaliland de jure [1] recognition. Mr. Alor responded in the following manner, “firstly, the African Union has to abide by its rules and regulations, having said that, no one in Africa is ignoring Somaliland. That is hard to do, when you take into consideration the remarkable achievements over the last 20 years, compared to the situation elsewhere in the region. But, frankly many African nations would like to see the issue resolved by Somaliland and Somalia. Nevertheless, it is obvious that ultimately, the will of the people has to be accepted.”
After decades of civil war, the people of southern Sudan will shortly participate in a referendum to decide their political future, as a sovereign state or to remain a part of Khartoum.
Source: Qarannews, 4 February 2010
Picture: Somaliland reporters, Moha and Mohamed ‘Rambo’ from Geeska Afrika greet Sudanese Foreign minister – Deng Alor.
