The New Deal for Somalia, agreed between the country and the international community, including the EU, should be led to the formal recognition of Somaliland, according to the foreign minister.

Speaking after a high-level conference on Somalia in Brussels, which was not attended by representatives of Somaliland, Mohamed Bihi Yonis said, however, that political dialogue focussing on the Horn of Africa is welcome.

“We are encouraged by the international community’s decision to focus on my region, the Horn of Africa, despite the challenges that they face closer to home,” the foreign minister said. “We hope that the New Deal for the Somali people will sanction a clear and improved framework for international donors’ engagement with both Somaliland and Somalia.”

“In applying the New Deal principles, we urge international donors to recognise Somaliland’s unique status,” he said.

Since 2008, the EU pledged over €1 billion to the region. On 16 September, it announced a further €650 million aid package to help bring about political stability.

In 1991, Somaliland broke away from its union with Somalia. Since then, it has been seeking international recognition of its independent status. The New Deal for Somalia will see international development partners deal with Somalia and Somaliland as a single entity.

The special arrangement for Somaliland contained in the New Deal recognises its special circumstances and institutionalises its national development plan, which focusses on economic growth. It also recognises the government as the legitimate authority through which donors and partners will work.

“While we are not present in Brussels, we have been working closely with our international donors to agree on a separate plan for our development within the New Deal framework: the Somaliland Special Arrangement (SSA). And we are most grateful for the support which the donors have given us, and their sympathetic approach to the arrangement,” said Mohamed Bihi Yonis.

“The Somaliland Special Arrangement is based on our existing national development plan and therefore encourages greater ownership by the Somaliland people over its development.”

“For international engagement through the New Deal framework to be successful for the Somali people, it must not politicise development assistance, or prejudice future relations between Somaliland and Somalia. The appropriate platform to discuss a political settlement between us, is the Somaliland-Somalia Dialogue which, thanks to the support of the international community, has contributed to greater mutual trust and co-operation.”

“We are fully committed to the New Deal principles and look forward to working with our partners to implement the Somaliland Special Agreement,” he said.

Source:m New Europa