You know, I never thought about the whole name thing. I mean, for at least the past year I've told everyone I met that I am from a place called "Pwenet" next to Djibouti. But on a bigger level, I never thought about how severe the damage of Somalia's shit-stained name bore on us. That alone gives me reason for us to split. For a long time I did support federal clan states so the idea of "Somalia" or "Somali identity" would die altogether so each Somali could claim their local clan state back home as their ethnicity, I would be a "Puntite," Hutus would range from "Galmududians" to "Mareegites" and so on. Yeah, I totally agree and this article highlights how damaging the name "Somalia" truly is. Imagine if the Conoco execs were just dealing with Puntland alone and not Somalia, they'd go back in a heartbeat. I think Puntland has garnered enough interest over the years to get some major support for independence - I know UAE would not blink for a moment, and they could use their oil ties to win over dependent states like India.
Eaxctly, Somalia is a dead name sxb. People will always associate it with death, destruction and hunger. Even if I was pro-Somalia now, I would opt for the name Cush or Pwenet for the name of the new federal ex-Somalia.
The reason why many Puntlanders are reluctant to break away is because we have a deep connection with the South, we are Southerners. Moreso, especially the old guard feels we're giving up if we try to break away, not realizing that Puntland as an independent country can always still be involved with Somalia, but from a more comfortable position.
In this regard, Somaliland's 20 year long bid for recognition is a blessing for us, the world is already sympathetic to their cause, because you can't knock a guy who is getting its act together while his brother in the south refuses to whipe his own ass. If the two unrecognized republics of Puntland and Somaliland support each other and join efforts and make 100% clear that joining the rest of ex-Somalia will never be an option, we will be recognized. The fact that TWO regions want to split from ex-Somalia will move things sxb.
khalid,
I was thinking the same thing inay isleeyihiin: Majeerteenkaas dhibka badan waan ka reysaney alxamdulilaah, little do they know, we are more dangerous to them as a neighbouring independent country.
That's why it's important for you Somalilanders to have Puntland split as well, because the rest of Somalia wants to get rid of us anyway, and when we get the green light, waaba khasab idinkuna inaad Somalia ka goosan kartaan.