Malawi in ‘diplomatic blunder’ on Somaliland trip

December 22, 2020 Wanga Gwede - Nyasa Times 40 Comments

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.

Somaliland Malawi and Somaliland to enhance bilateral relations as President Bihi hosts Foreign Minister Eisenhower Mkaka

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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40 replies on “Malawi in ‘diplomatic blunder’ on Somaliland trip”

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. Malawi will never gain anything from Somaliland. That country is the same as Somalia where hotel bombings are routine.

    2. 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.

  6. 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.

  8. Somalia is Somalia, Malawi does NOT need these millitia men. Dyera ndi ma embassy basi. Ntchito zopasa anthu zachepa? Kupusatu mukupangaku

  9. 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.

  10. next destination is north korea. what surprises me that this government is targeting questionable relationships.

  13. Poor Malawi trying to punch above its weight.Recognition of a breakaway semi desert patch of land,infested with militiamen and pirates, is not in the interest of Malawi.We have a host of problems and challenges to contend with as a country.This just goes to show that there is a leadership deficiency in this land.

  14. It’s not an error. Malawi needs to start taking a leading role in international affairs as we move to regain our prosperity of the days of Kamuzu and even become more than what we were. We will move out of poverty and become a leader in Africa

    1. What prosperity? Do u remember what happened when white people withdrew aid from Bingu? Zinazi bwino Trumps days of Americana isolation are gone. Muputa zosaputa as joe Biden’s America aims to assert itself on world affairs.

    2. Is this what we need as a country now? Why does MCP want to appear to be too intelligent when it’s in fact becoming stupid. Check our priorities ma guy. Mukubowa heavy. Bolaso adad pumani yemwe uja. Leave volatile issues alone and focus on what really matters for us.

    3. We are allowed to dream. Bingu, once said, let’s dream in colour. Malawi a leader in Africa. Koma abale.

  15. Ndalama zamasiye.,,, awa ndimasewera. And the president approved the trip!!’ I think the foreign ministry was given too much money to waste. Cut their allocation and channel it to district hospitals
    These guys are not serious no wonder demonstrations

  18. The only blunder is this whole president shaking hands, without a mask and our own Mkaka smilling like he is being tickled in these COVID times.

  22. First it was the embassy in Jerusalem. And now we’re recgonising break-away rebes. How is ANY if this in the interest of the poor Malawian? These people have no idea what they are doing. Taking risky diplomatic positions for what?

    1. BornForTheSmoke: well said man! I’m Somali myself and I was in Malawi 1994 and that was when Malawian Government was busy building new Capital, Lilongwe!
      And as you said, is. Not interest of Malawian nation to deal with this break away rebels who control 1/5 of Somalia and seeking recognition by illegal means. For sure, Somalia will retaliate if Malawi does not pack off.

      1. We hate pirates and Croption that is why
        We run away from Somalia they been
        Colonised by italy The Manfia that’s why
        We dont trust them, they are very dirty
        Minded people.

    2. Is it wrong for one part of a country to breakaway? In Africa and African politicians are against parts of country breaking away on the pretext of unity when in actual fact, these so called unitary states are just exploiting other nationalities within the country to benefit one group of people and their leaders. I feel that Somaliland should be allowed to breakaway. The rest of Somalia is a failed state and there is nothing but chaos. The independence of Somaliland should be championed as they are exercising their right. The right to self determination. These national states were not created by the bible thus people have the right to form new nations if they feel that, that is right for them. Since Somaliland was a British colony, it should be allowed to join the Commonwealth

      2. Remember politics is not for babies, unfortunately this is what we voted for. Serious government looking for friendship at expense of poor Malawians instead of solving domestic crisis with the funds

      1. Am from Somaliland live in United Kingdom
        First of all I would like to thank the Malawian
        Government.
        Somaliland is not a breakaway region from
        Somalia,Somaliland was a independent
        Country before Somalia so you need to
        Search our History before you Say anything
        About Somaliland soon or Later Somaliland
        Will be recognized.
        I want to say again to our Malawian brothers
        Welcome to Somaliland the Land of Punt
        And the beuty of the beaches of the RED SEA.

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