Somaliland

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Annali del Museo civico di storia naturale di Genova (1895) (18411100885)

Dhaymoole Rock art in Somaliland

Sheekh Isaaq

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Isaaq Flag

Somaliland is a self-declared state, internationally considered to be part of Somalia. Located in the Horn of Africa, it borders Ethiopia to the south and west, Djibouti to the northwest, the Gulf of Aden to the north, and the autonomous Puntland region of Somalia to the east. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the collapse of the central government of Somalia. Despite its self-declared independence, Somaliland is not officially recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations or any country, but it maintains informal ties with some nations and international organizations.

History

The region that now encompasses Somaliland was part of the ancient land known as Punt in antiquity. Its history is marked by the influence of various empires and dynasties, including the Adal Sultanate and the Ottoman Empire. In the late 19th century, it became a British protectorate known as British Somaliland. Following World War II, British Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960, and five days later, it chose to unite with the former Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic.

The union was fraught with difficulties from the outset, leading to widespread dissatisfaction in the north. The situation deteriorated into a brutal civil war during the late 1980s, culminating in the northern clans declaring the region independent from Somalia in 1991 as the Republic of Somaliland.

Politics and Government

Somaliland operates as a democracy, with its own government, military, and police force. It has held several peaceful elections, which have been deemed free and fair by international observers. The political system is a hybrid of traditional clan-based structures and modern democratic institutions, including a bicameral parliament consisting of the House of Elders (Guurti) and the House of Representatives.

Economy

The economy of Somaliland is primarily based on livestock, remittance/money transfer companies, and telecommunications. Livestock trade is the backbone of the economy, with the majority of the population engaged in pastoralism and animal husbandry. Remittances from the large diaspora community play a crucial role in the economy, while the telecommunications sector has seen significant growth, with local companies providing some of the most competitive services in Africa.

Education and Culture

Somaliland has a growing education system that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary levels. There are several universities in Somaliland, with University of Hargeisa being one of the most prominent. The culture of Somaliland is predominantly Somali, with a rich heritage of poetry, music, and dance. The region is also known for its ancient rock art sites, such as Laas Geel, which feature some of the earliest known cave paintings in the Horn of Africa.

Challenges

Despite its achievements, Somaliland faces numerous challenges, including international non-recognition, economic development, and environmental issues such as drought. The lack of formal recognition limits its access to international aid and hampers its ability to engage in formal diplomatic relations.

Conclusion

Somaliland remains a unique case of relative stability and democratic governance in a volatile region. Its quest for international recognition continues, as it seeks to prove that it meets the criteria for statehood under international law. The resilience and determination of its people have made Somaliland a symbol of self-reliance and peace-building in the Horn of Africa.