Somaliland’s resolve for recognition

They call themselves the de facto Independence Republic of Somaliland, but the rest of the world calls them the self-declared independent, autonomous region of Somalia. And, it has been this way for past 24 years.

To their credit Somaliland has a well-functioning government, organized security apparatus budding infrastructure and a growing economy. Granted a lot has to improve, Somaliland has now thriving diplomatic and trade relationship with its closest neighbors Ethiopia, Djibouti and few other African nations. The EU and its former protectorate the UK also maintain ties with this tiny nation of 3.5 million. 24 years after its separation from Somalia, Somalilanders feel that they are inching towards international recognition, writes Asrat Seyoum.

The year 1960 was the golden year for most African countries that were under colonial rule. It was the year that most of them got their independence and many of these nations commemorate their independence day every year. The small self-proclaimed independent nation of Somaliland is among their fellow Africans in gaining their independence from the British protectorate in the year 1960. And they are very serious about their independence day—18th May. Read Full Article

In pictures: Women of Hargeisa

Photographer Alison Baskerville has recently returned from Hargeisa, in Somaliland. While there, she was struck by the women she met - from those working in the hospital, to others who have built their own businesses.

Edna Adan Ismail is known as the First Lady of Somalia and was a government minister when Somaliland declared independence in 1991 - a move that has not been internationally recognized. She went on to become Somaliland's foreign minister and then in 2002 founded the Edna Adan University Hospital, the only maternity teaching hospital in the territory. 
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Q & A: Somaliland’s Guurti Sparks a Crisis

The self-declared Republic of Somaliland – a de facto independent state formed from Somalia’s north-western regions – is often described as an island of stability in a sea of conflict. Much of the security enjoyed by its estimated 3.5 million people is attributed to a “hybrid” governance system marrying traditional authority with modern Western style democratic governance. But Somaliland’s main donors have expressed concern over recent developments that beg the question whether its mixed political arrangements are robust enough. CLAIRE ELDER & CEDRIC BARNES from the INTERNATIONAL CRISIS GROUP’s Horn of Africa Project discuss why a decision by the so-called Guurti – the Upper House of Elders – worries Somaliland’s international partners and risks causing a dangerous political and clan polarization. Read Full Article