JEDDAH, 29 May — The breakaway “Republic of Somaliland” in the northern part of Somalia has announced plans for a referendum on May 31 on a new constitution that many Somalis say would only lead to the further disintegration of the country.
Abdi Idris Duale, information secretary of the self-proclaimed government, told Arab News the referendum will be followed by elections to choose regional governments, state parliament and the president of the republic.
“The constitution is the culmination of an extended effort over the past ten years involving all regions of the republic. The leaders of the various clans and organizations joined a lengthy debate that started in 1991. In 1997 a general assembly of all regions approved the draft of the constitution which was then passed by the two chambers of parliament. The referendum is the last step in establishing a permanent constitution for the country approved by the public,” Duale said from his office in Hargeisa, capital of the republic.
The former British protectorate of Somaliland became independent in 1960 but was later united with the rest of Somalia after it gained independence from Italy to form the Republic of Somalia.
Somaliland announced its secession from the rest of the country in May 191 following the collapse of the government of the late President Muhammad Siad Barre.
Under its president, Muhammad Ibrahim Egal since 1993, the Republic of Somaliland was able to enjoy stability and was spared the fighting and destruction that engulfed the rest of the country after Barre was toppled. However, the republic is still seeking recognition by the international community.
Egal, whose mandate as president ends this year, has been complaining that the world did not recognize Somaliland because it considered it part of the country
On whether such a move could only lead the further alienation among the people of the troubled country, Duale said Somaliland has never been part of the country. “We are not a region of Somalia.”
Asked if after the referendum Somaliland would establish links with the central government in Mogadishu led by President Abdi Kassim Salad, he said their republic did not take part in last year’s reconciliation conference which elected Salad.
He said their region gained independence before the rest of the country and its people have the right to choose the kind of administration they consider best for them.
Duale said international observers from other countries have been invited to oversee the referendum which will ask the voters to answer by yes or no to the new constitution.
