WASHINGTON (SD) – Former US Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer says she thinks Somaliland should’ve been recognized as an independent state, and that she could’ve done more to make that happen.
Jendayi Frazer, who held key diplomatic and advisory positions in President George W. Bush’s administration, from 2005-2009 told this to Reflections, a political program that discusses U.S.-Africa Policy.
“I felt that we should recognize Somaliland’s independence. This is a country that was once recognized as an independent, sovereign country. When it gained its independence in 1960s, it voluntarily joined the union with the Italian Somaliland.” Jendayi Frazer said.
Jendayi Frazer noted that there were other African countries including Kenya, Ethiopia, South Africa and Nigeria that supported Somaliland’s quest for recognition.
“South Africa, for its own reasons, had always been a strong supporter of Somaliland, and at that time, as I recall, both Kenya and Ethiopia, were soft supporters for Somaliland’s independence.” Jendayi Frazer said.
Jendayi Frazer, on the other hand, stated that Djibouti and Uganda were strongly opposed to the recognition of Somaliland.
“Djibouti and Uganda were strongly opposed, as I recall it. Nigeria had a view that was supportive. I felt that there was a coalition that could be led by the African Union that would support that independence, and then the United States could come on board with support, but it never happen.” Jendayi Frazer told Reflections.
The former U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Jendayi Frazer’s remarks come at a time when Somaliland’s past successes have been rolled back by since Kulmiye took over the country and as Somaliland is currently mired in a political, economic and power sharing disputes, making it not as viable for recognition.
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