The
Executive Director of SONYO, being part of the International Visitor Leadership
Program participants, has today got to the White House where he was
well-received. He has met with senior officials there. Saeed met with Mr. Grant
Harris who is the President Obama’s Special Assistant on African Affairs and
Policy Advisor on Africa. The session was interactive and more of
information-sharing. Saeed has interacted with Harris by also briefing on the
processes of peace-building, state-building and democratization that Somaliland
has managed to successfully pursue in the last two decades.
 |
| Sa'ed with Mr. Grant Harris |
In
addition, Saeed urged Obama’s administration to come close to the real context
in Africa and particularly stand up for the support of the growing democracy
and the blossoming development in Somaliland. He said: “for Obama to be able to
go down to the practicality of his fourfold strategy on Africa and push forward
the growing democracies in the African world, it is imperative to support
Somaliland and consider its case as a unique phenomenon that should be promoted
for contributing to the desired peace and stability of the Horn of Africa and
also setting a live example for the states that still need to recognize the
importance of democratic governance”. In continuing his discussions with the
Special Assistant of the US President, Saeed has also asked about the US’s plan
on inviting Somaliland’s president to the upcoming African Leaders Summit in
the United States. He said: “Our president is a democratically-elected leader
and while he has been in office, he tried to consolidate Somaliland’s relations
with your state, are you going to invite him in your upcoming African Leaders
Summit as even a de facto state president?
In
responding to the questions of Saeed, the Special Assistant and Senior Policy
Advisor said: “Somaliland has a very unique case and we do respect its efforts
and great work. We will continue to engage with Somaliland to reach its vision.
But, as you know, we have recognized the current Somalia government and we also
invested in the security sector so that Somalia can also cope with its
challenges and build a strong peace”. Mr. Harris also mentioned that USA
welcomes Somaliland’s good work and would also like to see its processes of
democratization and peace-building continue for consolidation. Mr. Harris also
mentioned that they will only invite African heads of de jure states in the
upcoming African Leaders Summit.
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| SONYO Executive Director |
Mr. Saeed, and
the other “International Visitor Leadership Program” participants who were all
from Africa, got a briefing from Harris regarding President Obama’s agenda on
Africa. In the briefing, it was told that the engagement of the leaders of the
next generations—for building sustainable friendship and ties with Africa—is
very important and a priority for the United States strategy on Africa. In
addition, it was also mentioned that President Obama’s agenda on Africa has
four key strategic objectives:
• Increase the trade and investment with and in Africa.
• Strengthen democratic institutions in the African states.
• Advance security and promote peace in Africa.
• Extend the development channels for African socio-economic empowerment by
identifying the actual constraints on the ground and looking for sustainable
solutions.
In
conclusion, the meeting members were given chance to interact further with the
adviser and have photo sessions with him. The meeting concluded with very good
atmosphere. It was really a great opportunity for the mostly youthful
participants of the program and particularly for Somaliland to have its voice
heard in such important forum.
SONYO Media
Office
Hargeisa, Somaliland
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