439th International City of Peace
Burao, Togdheer Region, Somaliland, A.R.
Promoting Stability Through Peacebuilding
Right now, in the United States Senate, legislation is being introduced to recognize the Autonomous Region (A.R.) of Somaliland as an independent African nation. Since breaking away from Somalia in 1991 after a ten-year civil war, Somaliland has never been recognized by any nation or the United Nations. Since International Cities of Peace (ICP) does not work with countries, due to wars, disputes and changes in maps, we are free to work with all communities, except those under sanctions, to enable them to work more directly toward peace. Two Somaliland Cities have contact ICP over the last month. They wish to establish as International Cities of Peace prior to this Recognition from other countries, and possibly the U.N.. We commend their desire for peace, and we hope to help with our free services. Onward!
Burao City is the second largest city in Somaliland, with over 400,000 people. The Primary Liaison for the initiative is independent of the Somaliland government but who works closely with Municipal Ministries of the Interior and Information. Abdulkadir Mohamoud Sugal is Executive Director and Founder of the Horn of Africa Welfare Development Organisation (HAWDO). The initiative has many on-the-ground City of Peace objectives, including “developing plans for roads, energy, and sanitation”. Peace is the way and we commend Burao for its on-the-ground efforts toward a culture and infrastructure of peace.
