(A poem of hope, dignity, and recognition)
By Dr. Suryaraju Mattimalla
Introduction
In this inspiring poem, “Somaliland: A Poem of Hope, Dignity, and Recognition,” Dr. Suryaraju Mattimalla reflects on the enduring aspirations of the people of Somaliland for international recognition, peace, and a dignified place among the nations of the world. Through powerful imagery and heartfelt verses, the poem celebrates Somaliland’s history, resilience, national pride, and determination to shape its own future.
Drawing on the significance of recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump describing Somaliland as “totally different,” the poem captures the renewed sense of hope such statements can generate among Somalilanders who have long advocated for international recognition. At the same time, it acknowledges that meaningful diplomatic progress requires sustained engagement, patience, and constructive international partnerships.
More than a call for recognition, this poem is a message of peaceful perseverance, mutual respect, and the pursuit of justice. It reminds readers that the aspirations of a people are rooted not only in political status but also in their desire for opportunity, development, and dignity. Ultimately, Dr. Mattimalla’s verses offer a hopeful tribute to Somaliland’s journey and its people’s enduring belief that their voices deserve to be heard across the world.
The poem reads:
For years we stood beneath our flag,
With hearts held high, though times were hard.
We built our homes, we raised our land,
And kept our dreams with our own hands.
From Hargeisa to Berbera’s shore,
We knocked on doors and asked for more.
Not for pity, not for fame,
But for the world to know our name.
We have our history, our land,
Our people strong, our future planned.
We have our struggles, we have our pride,
And the hopes we carry deep inside.
Then came the words across the sea,
Words that stirred what we hoped to see.
Donald Trump spoke, and people heard:
“Totally different” — a powerful word.
For many hearts, those words brought light,
A little hope after years of fight.
A moment that made the world look near,
And gave new strength to those who persevere.
But words alone cannot complete
The journey toward a place and seat.
Recognition takes more steps to climb,
With patient work and changing times.
Still, let our hope rise with the sun,
For our long journey is not yet done.
Let peaceful voices make their case,
And let the world see Somaliland’s place.
We ask for friendship, fair and true,
For open doors and chances new.
Let trade and knowledge cross the sea,
And let our people live in dignity.
We seek no hatred, we seek no war,
We seek respect from shore to shore.
Let every nation hear our plea:
Let peace and justice set us free.
So raise the flag against the sky,
Let hope grow strong and dreams fly high.
From every village, town, and land,
A people’s future is in their hands.
May truth be heard, may doors swing wide,
May dignity remain our guide.
And may the day bring hearts to say:
“Somaliland has found its way.”
Until that day, we will stand tall,
With faith and courage through it all.
For hope can live through every trial,
And freedom’s road is worth the mile.
Somaliland, keep your hope alight.
Keep your dreams alive and bright.
Let peace be the path, let truth be your guide,
And let the world hear your voice with pride.
Copyright @ Suryaraju Mattimalla 2026
Bio
Dr. Suryaraju Mattimalla is a renowned Indian poet based in Germany, a prolific human rights writer, a vegan, a refugee, a truth-seeker, and a free-speech advocate. Dr. Mattimalla is an expert on Dalit genocide and Dalit pogroms and an established writer whose work has been published internationally. Born into the Madiga (Untouchable Caste)-Yadav Christian family, which has historically faced caste-based untouchability in India, he writes poetry addressing Dalit genocide, Dalit pogroms, atrocities against untouchable castes, caste discrimination, human rights, and social justice. He has written and published hundreds of poems in the United States, Europe, Israel, France, India, Nagalim, and Ghana. He has also published academic papers in prestigious academic journals, including The Age of Human Rights Journal and Peace Chronicles. His literary works are catalogued across the public libraries of the United States of America and Germany.
His poetry has been translated from English into French and published by the French-based humanitarian organization Salam. Through his writing, Mattimalla seeks to challenge caste oppression, defend human dignity, and give a voice to marginalized communities. He lives with his Ethiopian wife, HRH Selamawit Hailu Bezabih, and their three children: Saviour Suryaraju Mattimalla, the late Stanford Suryaraju Mattimalla, and Strathfield, or Skylar Suryaraju Mattimalla. His first child was killed by Hindus in the name of honor in India in 2010, and his second son, Stanford Suryaraju Mattimalla, died following forced vaccination administered by a neo-Nazi German gynecologist on June 28, 2023, in Regensburg, Germany.
OTHER POEMS IN THIS SERIES by the author
The Bones Remember: (A poem for the Isaaq people of Somaliland)
