By Wes Harlan, Politics and Policy Editor
Transparency International recently released its latest corruption index ranking nations across the world on how ethically their governments function and how effectively they create conditions for transparency and accountability.
Somalia once again ranked near the bottom. Only South Sudan performed worse. Somalia is in the spotlight right now because Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s independence. Somaliland is claimed by Somalia but has operated as a de facto independent nation since 1991. It is recognized for its stability, safety and accountable governance.
Given the abysmal score awarded to the administration in Mogadishu, it is reasonable to ask why the individuals who speak so often about defending human rights and the “liberal world order” have not joined Israel in recognizing Somaliland. Somaliland has built a system where basic rights are more secure than in many other parts of the region.
Transparency International identifies several common forms of corruption. These include public servants demanding money or favors in exchange for services, politicians misusing public money or granting jobs and government contracts to friends and supporters, and corporations bribing officials to secure lucrative deals.
Somalia’s reputation for warlords, piracy and a general climate of fear is well documented. World leaders insist they cannot recognize Somaliland because it is a “breakaway republic” and that recognition would undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity. This ignores recent history. Kosovo was recognized by the G7 nations after declaring independence from Serbia. South Sudan gained independence in 2011. Several former Soviet republics established their sovereignty after the Cold War. The former Yugoslav republics and Czechoslovakia both divided peacefully into new nations. Somaliland itself existed independently once before and is attempting to regain that status after years of violence, bombing and persecution by the Mogadishu regime.
It is useful to compare the words of leading figures who speak so frequently about democracy and human rights. Once we do that, we can ask why those same values do not seem to apply when the topic is Somaliland.
These quotes are only a small sample of the statements world leaders make when they speak about democracy.
These high-profile advocates of “freedom and human rights” remain silent on Somaliland. The question is why. Is the commitment to human rights only rhetorical? Why is this commitment not extended to the 6 million people in Somaliland?
Wes Harlan
Wes Harlan covers California politics, legislative hearings, and everything else that gives normal people a headache. Known for showing up early, staying late, and filing clean copy five minutes before deadline, Wes has built a reputation as the guy who actually reads the bill before writing about it.
