The Shuttle
Wednesday May 23, 2018
LONG-time campaigner for national self-determination, Kidderminster MEP
James Carver took part in Somaliland’s 27th anniversary of independence
this week.
He travelled to the small African nation’s capital,
Hargeisa, as a guest of vice president Abdirahman Saylici where he
attended a celebratory parade and had informal talks with government
leaders.
Mr Carver, Kidderminster-based UKIP MEP for
the West Midlands, who has visited Somaliland on three previous
occasions, is a staunch supporter of its bid to be internationally
recognised as an independent country again.
He said: “All peoples
have the right to self-determination. Given the historical injustices
suffered by Somalilanders, the preservation of this right is all the
more important.
“I have long been a supporter of Somaliland
re-recognition. The massive loss of life suffered during the civil war
within Somalia means that no Somalilander could ever contemplate placing
the lives of his family, friends and countrymen in the hands of a
potentially hostile neighbour.
“For Somaliland to prosper, both
economically and politically, it is imperative that the international
community recognise Somaliland’s sovereignty.
“It is my hope that in turn, this would lead to even greater prosperity and freedom across the Horn of Africa.”
Though
not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political
system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency.