Malawi in ‘diplomatic blunder’ on Somaliland trip
Malawi government has come under intense criticism from experts in international relations and governance experts over its interest in Somaliland following a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs Eisenhower Mkaka held undisclosed bilateral talks.
Mkaka, who has met President use Bihi Abdi, is accompanied by an advisor to President Lazarus Chakwera, Martin Toon and William Bambi from the Department of foreign Affairs for Africa and the Middle East since his arrival on December 19.
According to Somaliland foreign Affairs Department , the meeting discussed ways to deepen brotherly relations between the two governments.
“The President and Malawi’s delegation held wide-range discussions on matters of mutual interest,” reads a tweet from Somaliland foreign Affairs Department.
The President of the Republic of Somaliland briefed the Malawi delegation that the people of Somaliland have not received their full recognition in Africa and the world, as they have fulfilled the requirements required.
But international relations experts have said Malawi government should have issued a statement prior to the Minister’s visit to appraise the nation on the assignment and cautioned against establishing diplomatic relations with Somaliland.
Human rights activist Rafiq Hajat who is also executive director for Institute of Policy Interaction (IPI), asked government to avoid recognising Somaliland as a State .
“Economically, Malawi is at the mercy of the powers that be – the West. The Bretten Woods institutions are controlled by the West so we must always look at the broader picture when making decisions such as who to relate with so that we do not antagonise those that support us,” he said.
But Ministry of Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Lucky Sikwese defended Malawi government engagement with Somaliland, saying even African Union and United Nations are engaging with the country.
“Engaging is a normal procedure in international relations. What is key is the decision that Malawi makes after the engagement,” he said.
Somaliland is a breakaway, semi-desert territory on the coast of the Gulf of Aden. Somaliland declared independence after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991. Even though not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions and its security system.
Only 35 countries in the world do recognize Somaliland as a defacto state but has no de-jure recognition from internationally recognized country. It is also well known for keeping militiamen.
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I’m Med Mahdi from the Republic of Somaliland first i want to thank Malawi and it’s wonderful people on behalf of my people. our two governments made a historic brotherhood that make us African brothers. by the way… i wanna to tell Malawian people that Somaliland unlike the failed state of Somalia, Somaliland is one of the safest countries in Africa.and sooner or later get fully International recognition over the World.
don’t hear the anemy baseless misinformation.
Most of the people commenting here need to be informed about the history of the Republic of Somaliland which was independent nation way before Malawi itself was a county. Somaliland even was Independent nation before Somalia gained freedom from Italian colonial administration. Somaliland only broke away from a union with Somalia that didn’t work and failed badly.
Next is Kivukiland
😂🤣🤣🤣🤣
Mkhakha oh Mkaka is trying to connect with ashabab militia. This guy is poisonous creature with Nkhosa. There is nothing abosutely nothing we Malawians can benefit from the Somalis apart from terrorism activities. Mkaka! Be careful, Nonse Alliance won’t last beyond the next general elections. Mark my word.
Malawi will never gain anything from Somaliland. That country is the same as Somalia where hotel bombings are routine.
You don’t know nothing about Somaliland.
Somaliland is one of the safest countries in Africa
Just Google it and study the history of Somaliland before you blindly criticize the country.
you don’t know nothing about Somaliland.
unlike Somalia and even your country Somaliland is one of the safest countries in Africa.
I think this article is a misguided missile from Malawi’s
poor journalist who does not know about Somaliland history let alone his own history. Somaliland regained its lost independence in 1991 from joining with Somalia in 1960s. Malawi is an independent country who can choose her friends and foe without listening to the poor people you have quoted such as Mr Hajar.
This Mkaka boy is getting us into trouble
Somalia is Somalia, Malawi does NOT need these millitia men. Dyera ndi ma embassy basi. Ntchito zopasa anthu zachepa? Kupusatu mukupangaku
Mkaka: small boy wearing big boy pants with one hand holding the pants and the other rolling a chingelengele down the road. Foreign minister of a one term govt.
next destination is north korea. what surprises me that this government is targeting questionable relationships.