Somaliland: Democracy and demonstrations
Ahmed Kheyre
July 08, 2008
Somaliland is a democracy, and in a democracy people have the right to voice their opposition to any issue by using any means available, as long as, these opponents obey the law of the country and refrain from violence.
The recent demonstration in Hargeisa which unfortunately led to the deaths of two citizens and several others wounded, doesn't not in any way make Somaliland unstable or undemocratic.
On the contrary, aside from the unfortunate loss of life which is deplored by all Somalilanders who demand a public inquiry, and in spite of the poor communications between the authorities and the public which have led to the miss-understanding regarding the cause of the demonstration, Somaliland remains a stable and democratic state.
As much as Somaliland's opponents would like to use any adverse situation in Somaliland for their own political agenda, it is obvious that they neither have the objectivity, the resources nor the credibility to assess the situation in Somaliland.
In terms of objectivity, it is worth mentioning that this not the first demonstration in Somaliland nor will it be the last, because in a democratic society people must have the right to express their opposition. Sadly, due to an unfortunate situation, which will most certainly be fully investigated, this particular demonstration led to an unacceptable loss of life.
It is worth mentioning that there are peaceful demonstrations in Somaliland everyday, of every persuasion. And it is unfortunate, but expected, that Somaliland's opponents attempt to use such events to undermine Somaliland's achievement, whilst the situation in their own of the region; assassination, terrorism and worse are the norm.
Yesterday events in Hargeisa have been resolved. There will be thorough investigations, and it is certain that those responsible will called to account, but as a democratic nation, Somaliland will see more demonstration, and all Somalilanders hope that they will be peaceful and non-violent.
Somaliland's achievements are there for all to see, and like any nation in the world, it will have its share of difficult times, but through dialogue, discussion and consensus, Somaliland has always found a resolution for every issue.
The recent demonstration in Hargeisa which unfortunately led to the deaths of two citizens and several others wounded, doesn't not in any way make Somaliland unstable or undemocratic.
On the contrary, aside from the unfortunate loss of life which is deplored by all Somalilanders who demand a public inquiry, and in spite of the poor communications between the authorities and the public which have led to the miss-understanding regarding the cause of the demonstration, Somaliland remains a stable and democratic state.
As much as Somaliland's opponents would like to use any adverse situation in Somaliland for their own political agenda, it is obvious that they neither have the objectivity, the resources nor the credibility to assess the situation in Somaliland.
In terms of objectivity, it is worth mentioning that this not the first demonstration in Somaliland nor will it be the last, because in a democratic society people must have the right to express their opposition. Sadly, due to an unfortunate situation, which will most certainly be fully investigated, this particular demonstration led to an unacceptable loss of life.
It is worth mentioning that there are peaceful demonstrations in Somaliland everyday, of every persuasion. And it is unfortunate, but expected, that Somaliland's opponents attempt to use such events to undermine Somaliland's achievement, whilst the situation in their own of the region; assassination, terrorism and worse are the norm.
Yesterday events in Hargeisa have been resolved. There will be thorough investigations, and it is certain that those responsible will called to account, but as a democratic nation, Somaliland will see more demonstration, and all Somalilanders hope that they will be peaceful and non-violent.
Somaliland's achievements are there for all to see, and like any nation in the world, it will have its share of difficult times, but through dialogue, discussion and consensus, Somaliland has always found a resolution for every issue.