An Appeal for Peace

Coalition for Justice and Peace in Somaliland

Taking note of the climate of war which prevails in the eastern part of Somaliland and the difficult times which these regions are currently going through;

Guided by the views of the people of Somaliland and our collective experience of the legacy of war;

Conscious of the fact that peace is the foundation of the very existence of Somaliland;

Aware, especially at this particular juncture in time, that anything which jeopardises peace, law and order and the establishment of a democratic system of governance, will damage the prospects of international recognition and the decision of Somaliland to exist as an independent State;

Mindful that the only outcome of war is the loss of life and property for the people of Somaliland and for the country itself;

Confident that dialogue offers the only viable political strategy, given the absence of other alternatives to a peaceful resolution, we are putting forward the following suggestions:

Recommendations

A: We are appealing to the government of Somaliland and to the Administration of Puntland:

1. To put an immediate end to hostilities and the spread of hostility by word and deed;
2. To forbid the movement of armies and any form of military action, whatever the nature of it;
3. To make a concerted effort to search for a political solution that will terminate the conflict;
4. To stop the propaganda and the dissemination of hatred based on clan affiliation and clan animosity.

· In addition, the Coalition for Justice and Peace is asking the community elders, intellectuals, civic organizations, religious leaders and business people of Somaliland and Puntland to contribute to the establishment of peace and order in the region of Sool.

The organizations which signed this appeal include:

· Samotalis;
· Heegan;
· FOBAG;
· HAVAYOCO;
· SOLJA;
· SWJA;
· African Rights;
· Civic Forum;
· Golaha Cuqaasha Togdheer;
· CCS;
· COPA;
· War Crimes Committee;
· Capacity Building Network;
· Share.