When I am in Somaliland, I walk in the streets alone without protection, feel extra safe and back atmosphere which is an indication of impressed peaceful environment, Marry Harper, BBC services, east Africa chief editor
Marry Harper is journalist and writer reporting and broadcasting from east Africa and horn of Africa since early 1990s. She is famous popular female BBC world services journalist reporting in the region. Her journalism style has impressed viewers as the way she presents her broadcasting captures the hearts and the mind of her spectators. Marry Harper professional journalism made her an icon journalist. In view of Somaliland peace nature, Marry Harper has described Somaliland as an oasis of stability in of Africa. Because of her nature of work, she is frequent traveler to east Africa and horn of Africa including Somaliland. Marry Harper was one the guests invited to attend Hargeisa book fair which was participated by a representatives over 23 countries. While I was on visit to Somaliland ministry of information on Wednesday July 24, 2019, on coincidence, I meet Marry Harper visiting Somaliland ministry of information and national guidance.
On arrival, the minister of information welcomed Marry Harper to the ministry and thanked her coming to Somaliland. The ministry high ranking officials leading by the minister of information Mohamed Muse Deria and his deputy minister took Marry Harper to tour the various departments of the ministry including Radio Hargeisa, TV studios, Somaliland news agency and the other divisions of the ministry to eyewitness the quality services of the ministry that win her attraction. Responding her visit to ministry and Somaliland in general, the minister said, Marry Harper is journalist worth praise from Somaliland as she conveys the peace, stability and democracy of Somaliland to outside world being professional journalist.
During the visit, the ministry officials briefed her work done by each division of the ministry which impressed her. Marry Harper thanked the warm and friendly hospitality extended to her by ministry officials leading by the ministry and Somaliland in general. The young female directors of the ministry is one the things that capered her attention. The minster praised Marry Harper professional journalism which is uncommon in the region and praised the interest she pays to Somaliland that made Marry Harper special friend to Somaliland and its people.
I asked Marry Harper, what you think Somaliland is different than the countries in the region you have visited before. The question being drawn her attraction, on smiling face, she said Somaliland has many things that made her liked Somaliland. When I am in Somaliland, I walk in the streets alone without protection, feel extra safe and back atmosphere is an indication of impressed environment, she said. The noise usually hears from Somaliland including the call of prayers, music, people chatting, traffic jams that indicate the peaceful nature of Somaliland, she said. She continued saying, even my bag is safe in the event leaves one of shopping places.
In the case of Somalia, I travel with heavily armored cars and fully armed body guards and the background noises is the noise of fearful noises like explosion and other. These two descriptions are contrary to each other. The ministry officials and Marry Harper discussed how to provide train the ministry employees to improve the quality of their services. Marry Harper current visit to Somaliland and what she witnessed in Somaliland is promising good future and pleasing days for Somaliland people as we are the designers of our future. Prosperity and happiness are something we can design at present.
Ismail Lugweyne
