When does a country become a state? On 18 May 1991, the leaders of the
Somali National Movement and the elders of northern Somali clans
proclaimed that they were setting up the new Republic of Somaliland. Why
has Somaliland not followed Somalia into 'state collapse'? Over the past
fifteen years Somaliland has successfully managed a process of
reconciliation, demobilisation and the restoration of law and order. A
constitutionally based government has held three democratic elections.
Why has Somaliland yet to be recognised by the international community?
The international system purports to promote 'good governance' in
Africa. Somaliland has had one of the most free series of elections in
theregion. Yet this new republic still has no international legal
status, while Somalia, which has had no effective government since 1990,
is still accorded de jure sovereignty. Should a unitary government be
re-established for all of Somalia? Since the collapse of the Somali
state international diplomacy has supported fourteen peace conferences,
each focusing on re-establishing Somalia as a whole. Yet it is
Somaliland which challenges the typical image of war, disaster and
social regression associated with this part of Africa since the 1990s.
MARK BRADBURY is a development consultant who has worked extensively in
North East Africa Published in association with Progressio; North
America: Indiana U Press; South Africa: Jacana; Uganda: Fountain
Publishers