NO balkanisation / bantustanisation of Somalia

The Government of South Africa, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nkosazana Dlamini- Zuma recently commissioned a Report to whether to recognize the northern region of Somalia (Somaliland) as sovereign state.In the Report, law advisers from the South African Department of Foreign Affairs support somalilands argument for independence. As the Report writes “It is undeniable that Somaliland does indeed qualify for statehood, and it is incumbent upon the international community to recognise it.”

The South African government lawyers agree that “any efforts to deny or delay would not only put the international community at the risk of ignoring the most stable region in the Horn [of Africa], it would impose untold hardship upon the people of Somaliland due to the denial of foreign assistance that recognition entails.”

The South African government law advisers pondering about the practicability of bestowing sovereignty to Somaliland wrote: “The interest of world peace and stability require that, where possible, the division or fragmentation of existing states should be managed peacefully and by negotiation. But where this is not possible, as is the case with Somalia, international law accepts that the interests of justice may prevail over the principle of territorial integrity,”

If the Minister heeds this advice it will lead to the creation of five (5) Somali Bantustan-like countries; Somaliland and Punt land to name just but two. The advice given to the South African government is contrary to the UN, Africa Union, Arab league, Non Allied Movement, of which South Africa is a member, categorically say “that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia is sacrosanct.”

Hence closing the floodgate of Bantustans in Somalia and its ripple effect in other African countries. If the Minister accept such advice, the move will undoubtedly undermine the South African propelled African Renaissances and the NEPAD initiative that many Africans see as the only hope for Africa and Africans.

We urgently urge the Minister and the ANC Government not to heed this advice which will reintroduce tribal based fragmentation, ala apartheid, of the region through the backdoor.

We the undersigned Somalis and other Africans plead with the Minister and the ANC Government to reject the Bantustanization of Somalia and the Horn of Africa.