Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04DJIBOUTI834
2004-06-17 13:15:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Djibouti
Cable title:  

PERSPECTIVES ON SOMALILAND

Tags:  PREL SO PGOV DJ 
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C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000834 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/14/2014
TAGS: PREL SO PGOV DJ
SUBJECT: PERSPECTIVES ON SOMALILAND

Classified By: Pol/Econ Erinn C. Reed for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).

C O N F I D E N T I A L DJIBOUTI 000834

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/14/2014
TAGS: PREL SO PGOV DJ
SUBJECT: PERSPECTIVES ON SOMALILAND

Classified By: Pol/Econ Erinn C. Reed for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).


1. (U) SUMMARY: Pol/Econ met at Embassy Djibouti June 9 with
Dr. Omar Duhod, Somaliland national, based in London, and a
premier advocate for recognition. Dr. Duhod requested a
courtesy call with Embassy Djibouti on his way to Hargeisa.
Pol/Econ and Dr. Duhod discussed the current situation and
future of Somaliland. Duhod also put forth several arguments
for bringing in aid and investment to Somaliland. END SUMMARY.


2. (C) Dr. Omar Duhod is a legally blind psychiatrist, of
Somaliland origin, who lives in London and works part time at
universities while working towards Somaliland recognition.
He travels to Hargeisa about every three months to coordinate
and meet with Somaliland officials. Duhod, a former military
doctor, was one of the first to start the Somaliland
independence movement twenty years ago. His demeanor was
somewhat self-promotional but his opinions appeared very
informed and positive for the future of Somaliland. Duhod's
main argument for U.S. recognition of Somaliland was the
strategic position of the territory's coastline bordering the
Arabian peninsula and the added advantage Somaliland could
give to U.S. efforts in the war on terrorism.


3. (C) When asked if Somaliland was aggressively seeking
recognition from African neighbors, Duhod replied
rhetorically "how could it gain recognition from
non-democratically elected governments that don't understand
Somali problems and don't want to fix them?" Duhod commented
that Djibouti has been more supportive, recently, of the
Somaliland government. He cited President Guelleh's March
2004 interview with BBC Somalia in which Guelleh commented
that Somaliland is a state built from nothing, and without
foreign support. "There is no reason to ignore it." Duhod
also cited Djibouti's decision to accept Somaliland passports
as positive.


4. (C) On the Somali Peace Talks in Nairobi, Duhod stated
that if Somaliland is forced to go back to Somalia, there
will be civil war. Somalis in Nairobi are those that
committed atrocities, he added. He also said that the union
of Somaliland and Somalia after colonial independence was not
legal because there was no formal act of unification.


5. (C) Duhod was upbeat about the governing capability and
democratic character of the elected government of Somaliland.
He asked Pol/Econ to consider whether economic assistance to
Somaliland civil society would be possible in order to
bolster the economy in Somaliland. Duhod said the economy
has been growing steadily but still needs much work,
especially outside interest. Pol/Econ said she would look
into forms of assistance that might be available to community
organizations, as well as other forms of commercial
assistance and share that information with Duhod.
RAGSDALE