By John Ikani
Somaliland’s latest bid for recognition as a nation has been dismissed by the US Department of State.
The bid was initiated by President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi who has been on a charm offensive in the US, making passionate pleas for international recognition of his country as a state.
The US Department of State said it welcomed the meeting with Mr Bihi and the discussions on “strengthening US engagement with Somaliland within the framework of our single Somalia policy”.
In 1991, Somaliland seceded from Somalia. However it is not recognised as an independent state by the African Union or the United Nations, 30 years after the secession.
Notwithstanding, President Bihi says the country is relentless at achieving its aim of international recognition.
According to him: “[Somaliland] is prepared to pursue all available avenues for international recognition.
“Somaliland believes that the international community has a moral obligation to support Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition”.
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland functions like a country – with its own passport, currency, flag, government and army.
