Friday, June 7, 2002. Director of The Institute for Practical Research and Training, Dr. Ahmed Hussein Esa with help of Congressman Donald Payne hosted a photo exhibition, luncheon and the release of the book "Somaliland" in the Cannon Building (U.S. House of Representatives).

The event illustrated the achievement of Somaliland in politics, economy and culture. In his opening remarks welcoming the participants at the luncheon, Dr. Ahmed articulated how far Somaliland has come without help from the international community. He pointed out the fact that Somaliland has thriving Communication, Aviation, Construction and Import\Export Industries, and that the people of Somaliland have made these achievements in spite of ostracism and isolation of their Government by the international community for no good reason.
He concluded to say that Somaliland cannot sustain to continue its success without the help of international community, in the form of access to international financing via IMF & World Bank, ability to send mail outside Somaliland (recognized post office), access to banking and international trade.

Dr. Ahmed Hussein Esa

Somaliland has come this far without help, it needs your help and the help from International community to continue its success going forward.

Ambassador Schermerhorn

Let’s recognize for a moment the late president of Somaliland, president Mohamed H Ibrahim Egal, who was a visionary man

The keynote speaker was Ambassador Lange Schermerhorn, former Ambassador to Djibouti, who made very generous remarks about the late President of the Republic of Somaliland, Mohamed H Ibrahim Egal. Ambassador Schermerhorn said, "If president Egal had been here with us today he would have been very happy. He was a visionary man and he wanted Somaliland to be a recognized member of the International community".

Ambassador Schermerhorn also talked about the eight times that she has been in Somaliland and how in her first trip she observed the collection of stones in front of ruined buildings, after enquiring about the purpose of the stones in front of the houses, she was told that residents collect them to rebuild their houses. Ambassador Schermerhorn continued to say, in each visit, I could see the good changes happening in Somaliland.

 
Mrs. Barbara Euser

I can see no reason why the international community does not recognize Somaliland

Mrs Barbara Euser, one of the authors of the book "Somaliland", which was also released on that same occasion, was also present and was kind enough to sign the book, the book "Somaliland" was available for sale. Mrs. Euser spoke next and mentioned that she has worked with Dr. Ahmed and IPRT in the past. Mrs. Euser said, "I have learned the existence of the pictures in the book through Dr. Ahmed and the writer in me came up with the idea to write a book about it." She continued to say – I can see no reason why the international community does not recognize Somaliland.

The next speaker was Patrick Lages, who is also one of the authors of the book "Somaliland".

Lages talked about some of the problems he encountered in taking the pictures the book. He mentioned that he traveled extensively and took pictures in Africa, Asia, Latin America and most of under developed countries. He said, "It has always been easy for me to take pictures – I could take pictures whenever I want and whoever I want, that was until I came to Somaliland. I found very difficult to take pictures of Somalilanders and weeks went by without taking one single picture. Then I decided to face the challenge and seriously negotiated with the people. The photos you see in the book are results of many hard negotiations".

Among the others who were present include; Jeff Krilla, Head Africa Department, International Republican Institute. Carol Corillon, Director, Committee on Health and Human Rights, National Academy of Sciences. Prof. Lee Casanelli, Director, Africa Studies Department, University of Pensylvania. Pat Patierno, Director, Office of Humanitarian Demining, State Department. Nancy Dunne, Financial Times, Washington, Office. John Prendergast, former Africa Director at the National Security Council under Clinton. Dan Guttman, a well-known Washington Lawyer and Professor at SAIS. Ambassador Koonce. Scott Lewis, USDA, former USAID officer in Hargeisa and many other staff members both from Republican and Democratic side were present.

Dr. Ahmed and IPRT have increased the bar for the rest of us. Please ask yourself these questions, what are you going to do to help Somaliland’s cause this year and what have you done in the last twelve months to help Somaliland?

If you would like to assist IPRT with the Somaliland causes or if you would like a copy of the book "Somaliland" which was released at the event, please visit: www.iprt.org or use this email address: info@iprt.org.