LONDON (Somaliguardian) – The United Kingdom’s parliament is due to hold a debate on Tuesday on the recognition of Somaliland which broke away from Somalia in 1991 and has since been seeking an international recognition.
The debate proposed by British MP Gavin Williamson takes place months after authorities in the break-away state held the first parliamentary elections since 2005, in which opposition parties won majority in the House of Representatives
Over the past weeks, tensions have been fraying in the break-away region over President Muse Bihi’s decision to authorize the registration of new political associations, asserting that the constitutional terms of current parties had expired – a move challenged by opposition leaders as an attempt to extend President’s term in office ahead of presidential vote slated for this year.
Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Sunday it was aware of the adjournment debate the UK parliament is due to hold on Tuesday, years after a motion tabled by Labor MPs in 2019 on the recognition of the self-proclaimed state failed to win endorsement at the British parliament.
“The MFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) urges Somalilanders in the UK to get in touch with their respective MPs,” Somaliland Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
The city councils of Cardiff, Sheffield and Birmingham recognized Somaliland as an independent country, though the moves have been hailed locally in the region, they have not ushered in any tangible diplomatic progress for the former British colony.
Contact us: info@somaliguardian.com
