The Term Diaspora comes from an ancient Greek Word meaning, “To Scatter about”, and that’s exactly what the people of a diaspora do—they scatter from their Homeland to places across the globe, spreading their culture and language as they go.

The Somaliland Diaspora refers to the Communities throughout the world that have resulted by descent from the movement in historic times of people from Somaliland, predominantly to the America, Europe, Australia, Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and among other areas around the globe.

The contributions made by the Somaliland Diaspora, starting with the historical era of the Somali National Movement {SNM}, the continuous contribution the Somaliland Diaspora are still making, and finally I will talk about the future, what could be done for Somaliland by the Diaspora communities in cooperation with the Somaliland Leadership, both the Government and the opposition.

If we look back at the history, we all remember that the Somali National Movement, {SNM} that created the rebirth of Somaliland was formed overseas. The people of Somaliland played large role in overthrowing the military regime of Siad Barre. Specifically, the Somaliland Diaspora gave financial and moral support to the Somali National Movement {SNM}. They lobbied the governments of the countries in which they resided.

For example, The Somaliland Diaspora and Student Association of America used to travel to Washington, DC. To demonstrate against the military dictatorship of Siad Barre. These activities and others made the United States government and legislators aware of the political problems of Somalia.

In those days the Somaliland Diaspora not only to traveled to Washington dc. To demonstrate, we also worked closely with our State senators and the House of Representatives to lobby effectively.

In State of Illinois, The Somaliland Diaspora and Student Association of America were fortunate to have Senator Paul Simon, who was the Chairman of the Subcommittee in Africa in those days. We reached out to him and he helped us when he realized what was going on in Somalia at that time. Also many other Somali landers were reaching out to their political leaders in different states as we were doing.

With the leadership of Senator Paul Simon, the congress of the United States Stopped giving financial aid to the Military regime of Somalia and that was the start of the downfall of the Siad Barre regime.

The contributions of the Somaliland Diaspora remain a never-ending set of responsibilities. For most people in Somaliland the remittances received from Diaspora are still their main source of income. We are all aware of the economic problems of Somaliland and the high unemployment rate.

The Somaliland Diaspora not only help through direct remittances, they also are building Schools, Universities, Hospitals, Mosques, Light industry, telecommunications and other businesses. Again we are witnessing the role and continuous contribution of the Somaliland Diaspora.

In the future, if the Somaliland Diaspora come together and organize themselves with the cooperation of the Government and opposition leaders, the possibilities for further accomplishments for our people and nation are limitless. In considering the future, we must deal with the issue of Somalia sooner or later. Somehow we must devise a strategy to deal with this political issue. For the last two and half decades, the political problems of Somalia have worsened. The reconciliations sponsored by the international community have all failed. It is not to our best interest to have the chaos continuing. Our future plans must begin to include solutions that can help our progress, which is Recognition of our country.

The Somaliland Leaders have to find ways to connect with the international community and institutions to stabilize the nation and move it forward. It is important to share the vision of what we can have together and what we can accomplish. If we want to know where we want to go, we have to understand where we come from and how we got to where we are now. Then there will be many other opportunities and possibilities to shape the future of our nation and people for the better.
“Abwaankii Waynaa ee Ahmed Moxumed Good “ Shimpir” ayaa laga hayaa…heestan
Ayaan Daranaa dhulkaygu, Abaal daranaa dhashiisu, Ilaahay markuu wax siiyay , ilowsha dhowaa saboolku…..Waa la doogiye Yaan la dacaroon….Peace and Milk”

ANIIS ABDILLAHI ESSA
SOMAILLAND ADVOCACY GROUP
ABU DHABI, UAE.