Saturday, March 19, 2022 (HOL) – Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi, in an interview with a US radio station, was asked about the purpose of his trip, his passport, the Taiwan connection, and the independence of Somaliland.
Responding to a question about the purpose of his trip, the President said he was in Washington to discuss the Somaliland issue with the United States people and government.
“My basic purpose in coming to Washington is to explain to the people and the government we are visiting the issue of Somaliland, that Somaliland has the right to be recognized, legally, politically and ethically,” said President Bihi.
Asked if it was possible for Somaliland to reconsider its position on Somalia, the president said that was not possible, saying that Somalia had been in turmoil for 30 years and that he did not recognize the atrocities committed by the revolutionary government against the people of Somaliland.
“Reconciliation with Somalia is not possible due to a number of factors. Somalia has not had peace for 30 years, its leaders have failed. Al-Shabaab cannot protect their country, they have not yet been able to unite Somalis in Somalia. “Our people have been abused,” said President Bihi.
“We will never forget the massacre of our people and the destruction of our cities,” he added.
Asked if Taiwan is a good example for Somaliland, the president said, “Never, never, Taiwan and Somaliland are in the same situation, they have run unrecognized, their economy and peace, on the other hand, the United States and Europe have given Taiwan.” “Financial support and security … although we do not support them, we are learning how to run a country without recognition”.
Asked about his passport to travel to the United States, the president said he had traveled with a Somaliland passport. “Yes, I came with a Somaliland passport because I did not have another passport,” he said.
Abdilahi Geel-maal, Hiiraan O
