Somaliland – a unique example of peace and democracy

In a world characterized by increasing uncertainty and lack of freedom, the Republic of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa is an exception. The country has developed into the region’s only functioning democracy with constantly deepening work for human rights and equality. The country has a long history and an exciting culture. By combining a modern democracy with ancient forms of governance, the country is today a shining example that peace and democracy are possible in this part of the world characterized by dictatorship, terrorism and lack of freedom. The country meets all the criteria for full recognition as the independent country it is. It is time for the outside world to take a stand for continued democratic development in the Horn of Africa and the Somaliland people’s right to their place among the nations of the world.

Somalilands president Muse Bihi Abdi

Somalilands president Muse Bihi Abdi

Somaliland – a unique example of peace and democracy

In a world characterized by increasing uncertainty and lack of freedom, the Republic of Somaliland in the Horn of Africa is an exception. The country has developed into the region’s only functioning democracy with constantly deepening work for human rights and equality. The country has a long history and an exciting culture. By combining a modern democracy with ancient forms of governance, the country is today a shining example that peace and democracy are possible in this part of the world characterized by dictatorship, terrorism and lack of freedom. The country meets all the criteria for full recognition as the independent country it is. It is time for the outside world to take a stand for continued democratic development in the Horn of Africa and the Somaliland people’s right to their place among the nations of the world.

Somaliland’s borders were established in the late 19th century

Many of Africa’s borders were determined at the Berlin Conference of 1884-1885. The borders of Somaliland (British Somaliland) were also established at this time by agreements between Great Britain and France, Great Britain and Ethiopia, and Great Britain and Italy. These borders were those recognized by Britain and many other countries when Somaliland gained its independence on 20 June 1960. It is within these historical borders that Somaliland exists as a nation today. Somaliland’s borders are thus clear and well defined. The borders in Africa that were established during the colonial era are the borders that are respected today according to international organizations such as the African Union. The borders of British Somaliland appear on a variety of maps, depictions, stamps and other images from the time as a British protectorate.

Independence on 26 June 1960

On June 26, 1960, the British protectorate of Somaliland gained its independence from Great Britain. Completely peaceful and without any disputes or provocations. The country was immediately recognized by Great Britain and a number of other countries. Somaliland was the 19th African nation to gain independence and the first Somali nation among the five countries and territories populated by Somalis. The other four are Italian Somalia (today’s Somalia), French Somaliland (today’s Djibouti), Ogaden in Ethiopia and northern Kenya. There were at this time strong forces in Somaliland who wanted the British to stay for a period and help the country build up the school system and healthcare and more. Other forces were drawn into the dream of a greater Somalia that would unite all Somali speakers from the five countries and territories above under one flag (much like Hitler wanted to unite all German speakers in Europe). The latter line pushed for inclusion in a greater Somali union with the other countries/areas. While waiting for the others, British Somaliland formed a union together with Italian Somalia, which a few days after Somaliland gained its independence from Italy. This union was never ratified in both parliaments in a legally binding manner, nor was there a referendum on it. No other Somali countries or areas joined the union but chose to remain outside and still do so today.

Independence on 26 June 1960

On June 26, 1960, the British protectorate of Somaliland gained its independence from Great Britain. Completely peaceful and without any disputes or provocations. The country was immediately recognized by Great Britain and a number of other countries. Somaliland was the 19th African nation to gain independence and the first Somali nation among the five countries and territories populated by Somalis. The other four are Italian Somalia (today’s Somalia), French Somaliland (today’s Djibouti), Ogaden in Ethiopia and northern Kenya. There were at this time strong forces in Somaliland who wanted the British to stay for a period and help the country build up the school system and healthcare and more. Other forces were drawn into the dream of a greater Somalia that would unite all Somali speakers from the five countries and territories above under one flag (much like Hitler wanted to unite all German speakers in Europe). The latter line pushed for inclusion in a greater Somali union with the other countries/areas. While waiting for the others, British Somaliland formed a union together with Italian Somalia, which a few days after Somaliland gained its independence from Italy. This union was never ratified in both parliaments in a legally binding manner, nor was there a referendum on it. No other Somali countries or areas joined the union but chose to remain outside and still do so today.

Union with Somalia

Somaliland was part of a loosely-knit and legally dubious union with neighboring Somalia. The Somalilanders were heavily discriminated against and eventually a civil war broke out between the two countries in the union. Somalia’s dictator Siad Barre eventually bombed Somaliland’s cities to rubble and hundreds of thousands of Somalis fled. Siad Barre tried to commit genocide on the largest clan in Somaliland and even today you can find many mass graves from this time with the remains of executed men, women and small children. The civil war ended with the collapse of Somalia. Somaliland then had thousands of soldiers from Somalia as prisoners of war, they chose to treat them well because of their involvement in the attempted genocide. The prisoners were protected until they could safely return to Somalia. Even today, Somaliland strives for good relations with its neighboring country Somalia. Somaliland has, among other things, sent aid to Somalia and also received patients from Somalia for treatment in Somaliland hospitals.

Independence 18 May 1991

After the collapse of Somalia, Somaliland gathered all the clans in the country, even those who fought on Siad Barre’s side against their Somali brothers, and held reconciliation conferences. They talked for months and came to the conclusion that they forgave Somalia for the abuses and chose to found a democratic country within the borders of British Somaliland. The militia groups were disarmed without international support and incorporated into what became the Somali Army. On 18 May 1991, Somaliland declared its independence after decades of disastrous union with Somalia. Since then, May 18 has been the country’s national day. Since then, Somaliland has developed into a unique democracy surrounded by dictatorships, terrorism and pirates. In the midst of this, they have built a democratic system of the British standard, they have single-handedly founded 1237 primary schools and over 30 universities. The country has adopted the UN Declaration of Human Rights and developed equality with both female ministers and female mayors. Somaliland even has an all-female police force. The country’s presidential election has been monitored by international election observers and praised for its democratic conduct. Despite that, no country has recognized Somaliland’s right to independence.

Independence 18 May 1991

After the collapse of Somalia, Somaliland gathered all the clans in the country, even those who fought on Siad Barre’s side against their Somali brothers, and held reconciliation conferences. They talked for months and came to the conclusion that they forgave Somalia for the abuses and chose to found a democratic country within the borders of British Somaliland. The militia groups were disarmed without international support and incorporated into what became the Somali Army. On 18 May 1991, Somaliland declared its independence after decades of disastrous union with Somalia. Since then, May 18 has been the country’s national day. Since then, Somaliland has developed into a unique democracy surrounded by dictatorships, terrorism and pirates. In the midst of this, they have built a democratic system of the British standard, they have single-handedly founded 1237 primary schools and over 30 universities. The country has adopted the UN Declaration of Human Rights and developed equality with both female ministers and female mayors. Somaliland even has an all-female police force. The country’s presidential election has been monitored by international election observers and praised for its democratic conduct. Despite that, no country has recognized Somaliland’s right to independence.

Peace, democracy and human rights

Somaliland is still not recognized as the independent nation it is. According to the international organization Freedom House, the country is the most democratic country in the entire Horn of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. Despite this, it is not recognized as a sovereign nation. Somaliland is fighting terrorist groups like al Shabab, IS, al Qaeda and others on its own. All these organizations are banned in Somaliland. They also fight pirates and put pirates from neighboring Somalia in prison. The country receives refugees from Yemen and other neighboring countries and creates stability in one of the world’s most unstable areas.

https://freedomhouse.org/report/freedom-world/

Somaliland is safer than Sweden according to the US

Somaliland spends most of the country’s small state budget on security and defense. The country is seen by the US government as a travel destination that its citizens are not advised to travel to. It is considered that Somaliland is safer than all of Europe. The US also believes that Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, is the safest capital in all of Africa.

Modern Somaliland is nothing short of a miracle. The country fulfills all the requirements that the Montevideo Convention has as necessary and sufficient criteria for an entity to be recognized as a state:

A permanent population
A defined territory
A government
Capacity to enter into relations with other states

These criteria are a formulation of previously applied international practice. The Convention was incorporated by the League of Nations in the League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. 165, p. 20-43.

Despite this, the outside world holds back Somaliland’s right by ignoring the country’s demand for recognition as the independent state it is.

Somaliland is safer than Sweden according to the US

Somaliland spends most of the country’s small state budget on security and defense. The country is seen by the US government as a travel destination that its citizens are not advised to travel to. It is considered that Somaliland is safer than all of Europe. The US also believes that Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, is the safest capital in all of Africa.

Modern Somaliland is nothing short of a miracle. The country fulfills all the requirements that the Montevideo Convention has as necessary and sufficient criteria for an entity to be recognized as a state:

A permanent population
A defined territory
A government
Capacity to enter into relations with other states

These criteria are a formulation of previously applied international practice. The Convention was incorporated by the League of Nations in the League of Nations Treaty Series, vol. 165, p. 20-43.

Despite this, the outside world holds back Somaliland’s right by ignoring the country’s demand for recognition as the independent state it is.