Here are the facts Mr. Copley:

The people of Somaliland without any outside interference, threats or cajoling came out in masses, stayed in long lines for the better part of a day and casted their votes for their preferred candidates. This was done under the watchful eyes of local and international observers.

International observers subsequently released a report stating that the elections were conducted in a free and fair manner.

The election Commission announced the results of the election when all the votes have been counted and all the parties had exhausted their issues and raised whatever concerns they may have had with the Commission.

President Rayale and the Udub party leadership graciously accepted the results of the election.

Somaliland’s Supreme Court ratified the election as free and fair

The US Government in a press release stated this "We congratulate the winner and commend the other candidates for their statesmanlike acceptance of the results."

The EU, the UK, Ghana, Ethiopia, Djibouti, and host of other African nations including the fledgling TFG in Mogadishu welcomed the Somaliland’s election and its outcome.

It seems like the whole world saw the Somaliland’s election one way and Mr Copley with his "infinite wisdom and insight" saw it differently. In his world, the US and the rest of the world just supported and welcomed a Shabab led government in Somaliland. Never mind the facts,common sense, or even reality, just take his words at face value!

I am afraid the facts matter, not some-ones opinions, conjectures, innuendos or fantasies concocted in the dark recesses of one's mind, so for the sake of honest and intelligent debate, we wish you stop polluting and attempting to soil what has been achieve by the people in Somaliland at great cost in terms of lives and treasure and seek the help you so desperately need.

I speak for many when I say this to you Sir......YOU LIE!

Mahdi Gabose
East Africa Policy Institute.
www.eastafricapi.com
info@eastafricapi.com