Somaliland and Djibouti

Medeshi Jan 6, 2009
Geographically, Djibouti is located at North-West of Somaliland. The famous city of Zayla at Sarar region of Somaliland serves as major trade link between the two countries; the countries exchange millions of dollars in trade every year. both Djibouti and Somaliland share common major businessmen.
The people of both the countries share language, religion, culture and are kinsmen in addition to history of living in peace and harmony. Both Somali tribes in Djibouti are also citizens of Somaliland and vice versa.
In 2003, Former Minister of Tourism in Somaliland was Nephew of Minister of Interior Affairs in Djibouti. This illustrates the deep-rooted traditional relation between Somaliland and Djibouti.
President of Djibouti Ismail Omer Gelle praised Somaliland democracy progress, peace and security development during Eid Prayer. The audience welcomed the president´s statements on Somaliland, which showed the wide and increasing support for Somaliland independence between Djibouti people. Also, Somaliland government supported Djibouti against Eritrean illegal intrusion in Djibouti territory, by sending thousands of livestock as support.
At each summer, you can see large number of Djibouti citizens moving around the major cities in Somaliland like Boorame, Gabiley and Hargiesa. The people of Djibouti come to Somaliland to escape from the blazing summer heat of Djibouti. In Somaliland, they feel like home, and even majority of them own houses and relatives in Somaliland. Somalilanders call Djibouti citizens ´Yaa Khii´ which identifies the person is from Djibouti. These are deeply-rooted connections between two countries.
Before the independence of Djibouti on 1977, the Somalilanders played vital role in the campaign of liberation Djibouti from France, and even French Forces deported large number of Djibouti citizens with Somaliland roots back to Republic of Somaliland. Majority of deportees were active in the struggle against the colonizer. The citizens of both Djibouti and Somaliland have very respected roles in the struggle against the colonizing forces in the region. Both people won their independence without bloodshed and signed agreements which led the colonizers to leave.
The First Lady of Djibouti is one of those citizens with Somaliland roots, in addition to other important cabinet members and MPs. The people of both sides, Djibouti and Somaliland, share common culture, language, tradition and religion.
However, in East Africa, where diplomatic connections and unwritten traditional codes are especially strong, Somaliland democracy is facing a significant obstacle from African Union. But the hardworking Somaliland diplomacy will soon overcome the obstacles, and lead the country towards independence.
The recent visit of Somaliland President Dahir Riyale Kahin to Djibouti strengthened the commercial and political ties between the two countries. The two Border Guard Forces of Somaliland and Djibouti coordinate on border security. Djibouti authority is very much satisfied the peaceful border with Somaliland.
No illegal smuggle, human trafficking and armed violence cross into Djibouti territory from Somaliland. This is very excellent point, in which the Djibouti authority appreciates always. Today, Ethiopia and Kenya are suffering of the illegal arms entering in their countries from lawless Somalia. So Djibouti should be lucky to have democratic and peaceful Somaliland.
By Abdulaziz Al-Mutairi