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PLO Lumumba attends anniversary of Somaliland declaration of independence

Muse Bihi Abdi, President of Somaliland, attends the Somaliland army members parade show during a celebration to commemorate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024. (Photo: Tiksa Negeri/Reuters)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Monday, May 20, 2024

Critics point to Lumumba's simultaneous promotion of African unity while seemingly endorsing the dismemberment of Somalia.

PLO Lumumba, a prominent advocate of African unity, visited Hargeisa on May 18 to participate in the commemoration of the 31st anniversary of Somaliland's Universal Declaration of Independence.

Despite his strong support for a pan-Africanist vision, his visit sparked a mixed reaction on social media, with some criticising him for what they perceive as double standards.

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Critics point to Lumumba's simultaneous promotion of African unity while seemingly endorsing the dismemberment of Somalia.

Mohamed Ibrahim Adan, a member of the South West State Parliament in Somalia, and chairman of the Natural Resources and Environmental Committee, was among those who used the X social media platform to criticise Lumumba.

He wrote, “It is very unfortunate that a professor, who had a reputation and honour in the Horn of Africa and whose lectures often discussed the existence and unity of Africa, is now aligning himself with a group that lacks independence. This proves that he does not support the existence of Somalia.”

A file picture of PLO Lumumba. (Photo: Handout)

Abdulkadir Y. Farah, a reconciliation and state-building expert, said, I watched several lectures by PLO Lumumba and admired him as a mature and learned son of Africa who preached pan-Africanism. However, this picture reveals his true colours, as he celebrates with a secessionist group undermining the sovereignty of an African country,” he said.

“It seems possible that the professor is a Kenyan nationalist who may not want to see Somalia thrive again.”

Mohamed Ali, whose profile says he is a security expert and Horn of Africa peace advocate, said, “I’m sorry to see in this infamous ceremony, which involves a small group of people in the north of Somalia, trying to dismantle the country's territorial sovereignty. This action indicates that Africa failed not only because of politicians but also because of academics.”

Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, declared its independence in 1991 and has since been pursuing recognition as an independent state.

It has, in recent months, been the centre of a dispute between Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, following a January 1, 2024, memorandum with Ethiopia.

The MoU is for Somaliland to lease 20 km (12 miles) of its coastline, a territory that Somalia claims ownership of, to Ethiopia, in exchange for possible recognition and a. state in the national Ethiopian Airlines.

Somaliland recently suffered a blow as the Third Arab Economic and Cooperation Forum with Central Asian countries and the Republic of Azerbaijan rejected its deal with Ethiopia and upheld Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.