The UK and Dutch governments signed a £31m development deals with Somaliland. The deal aimed at improving the livelihoods of Somaliland people include developing the infrastructure and boost on renewable energy.
A statement from the British embassy in Mogadishu reports that, the Somaliland Development Fund (SDF2) valued at £25m runs between 2018 and will be delivered in partnership with the Somaliland government to enhance long-term stability in the region.
The statement further reports that the deal with UK will help improve the lives of the people of Somaliland by building critical infrastructure, such as roads, water systems and agricultural facilities, besides will help build capacity within Somaliland’s institutions.
In the second deal, the British government also signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding to fund the implementation of the Energy Security and Resource Efficiency in Somaliland (ESRES). The programme is aimed at providing clean, affordable renewable energy boost in Somaliland.
The Head of Office for the UK’s Department of International Development (DFID) in Somalia, Damon Bristow signed the agreements with Somaliland President Muse Bihi. Bristow noted that the agreements will be instrumental in promoting economic growth, poverty reduction and sustainable energy in Somaliland.
The signing ceremony was also attended by UK ambassador to Somalia Ben Fender and Head of the British Office in Hargeisa, Stuart Brown.
Seems, Somaliland is slowly and steadily gaining recognition. The semi-autonomous Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained a measure of peace and stability but Somalia insists that Somaliland is not independent.
