The African Country Nobody has Heard Of

Summary

Somaliland, a self-declared independent state in the Horn of Africa, emerged from decades of war and political instability. After gaining independence in 1991, it built a democratic government, strong institutions, and a growing economy based on agriculture, livestock, and fisheries. Despite its self-governance, Somaliland is not internationally recognized, primarily due to geopolitical concerns and the fear of encouraging other secessionist movements. However, the country is actively working to attract international investment, particularly in its rich natural resources and strategic location along key shipping routes, making it a rising economic hub.

Takeaways

• 😀 Somaliland was formed in 1991 after seceding from Somalia, following years of conflict and a power vacuum created by the collapse of the Barre regime.
• 🇬🇧 Somaliland was initially a British protectorate, while Italy controlled the eastern part, which later became Italian Somaliland. These regions had very different colonial experiences.
• 🔔 Somaliland gained its independence in 1960, when British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland merged to form the Somali Republic, but the union quickly faced tensions due to cultural and political differences.
• ⚔️ Following the assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Shermark in 1969, Somalia's political instability worsened, leading to a military coup and the rise of the authoritarian Barre regime.
• 💣 In 1977, Somalia's failed military invasion of Ethiopia led to the creation of a rebel movement in the north, which would later become the Somali National Movement (SNM).
• 💔 Between 1987 and 1989, the SNM fought back against the Somali government, and the regime responded with a genocidal campaign against the Isaak people in the north, resulting in the deaths of around 200,000 people.
• 🎖️ Somaliland declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, after the collapse of the Barre regime, and has since rebuilt itself as a stable and democratic region.
• 🏙️ Today, Somaliland operates as a self-declared sovereign state with its own government, constitution, flag, currency, and political institutions, despite not being internationally recognized.
• 💰 Somaliland's economy is mainly based on livestock, agriculture, and fishing, with plans to develop oil, gas, and mining industries to boost growth. It also aims to become a regional trade hub with the strategic Port of Berbera.
• 🌍 Somaliland is not internationally recognized by most countries, primarily due to geopolitical concerns, including the risk of encouraging other secessionist movements in Africa.
• 📈 Despite challenges with recognition, Somaliland has established international relations with several countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, and Taiwan, and is working on improving infrastructure and attracting foreign investment.

Q & A

Why did the UK establish a protectorate over Northern Somaliland in 1884?

The UK established a protectorate over Northern Somaliland in 1884 primarily to secure meat supplies for its military outposts, though their overall interest in the region remained minimal, and they mostly focused on the coastal areas.

What led to the creation of Italian Somaliland?

Italian Somaliland was created after Sultan Yusuf Ali Kennedy of the Sultanate of Phobio signed a treaty with Italy in 1889, establishing his sultanate as an Italian protectorate. Subsequently, other local sultanates, such as the Majerteen and Galetti, also signed similar agreements, leading to the formal establishment of Italian Somaliland.

How did the Italian presence affect Somaliland during the 1920s and 1930s?

During the 1920s and 1930s, Italy took direct control of Italian Somaliland, and tens of thousands of Italian immigrants moved to the region. They built infrastructure such as farms, hospitals, schools, roads, and cathedrals, significantly transforming the colony.

What were the circumstances surrounding Somalia's independence in 1960?

Somalia gained independence on June 26, 1960, with British Somaliland becoming independent, followed by the independence of Italian Somaliland five days later. On July 1, 1960, both regions merged voluntarily to form the Somali Republic.

What caused the political division between the North and South of Somalia in the 1960s?

The political division between North and South Somalia stemmed from differing histories, economies, and cultures. Northern territories frequently rejected referendums won by the South, and tensions escalated, culminating in a Northern revolt in 1961 after paramilitary forces from the North were placed under Southern command.

How did the 1969 military coup in Somalia change the country's direction?

The 1969 military coup in Somalia, following the assassination of President Abdirashid Ali Shermark, placed Major General Mohamed Siad Barre in power. Barre's regime quickly became authoritarian and led the country into a disastrous war with Ethiopia in 1977, which further destabilized the nation.

What role did the Somali National Movement (SNM) play in the conflict during the 1980s?

The Somali National Movement (SNM), formed by Somali expatriates in the early 1980s, launched a guerrilla war against Barre's regime. The SNM played a crucial role in the North, where it fought government forces, and eventually led to the formation of Somaliland after the regime's collapse in 1991.

What happened to the city of Hargeisa during the 1988 conflict?

In May 1988, the SNM captured the city of Hargeisa, leading to violent reprisals by the government. The government forces arrested and killed many of the city's Isaac population, and by the third day of fighting, they began shelling and bombing civilians, resulting in the near-total destruction of Hargeisa and the displacement of its residents.

How did Somaliland declare its independence in 1991?

On May 18, 1991, after the collapse of the Barre regime and the subsequent power vacuum in Somalia, Northern clans and the SNM agreed to declare independence. This led to the creation of the Republic of Somaliland, marking its separation from the rest of Somalia.

What is the current political situation of Somaliland regarding international recognition?

Despite functioning as an independent and stable entity, Somaliland is not internationally recognized. No country has formally recognized its independence, largely due to political and economic ties with Somalia, concerns about regional instability, and fears of encouraging other secessionist movements in Africa.

What are the economic prospects of Somaliland today?

Somaliland's economy is primarily based on livestock, agriculture, and fishing, with a GDP of $2.6 billion. It also holds significant potential in oil, gas, and mineral resources such as gold, copper, and iron. Somaliland is working to attract international investment and improve infrastructure, particularly through the development of its port at Berbera, to become a regional trade hub.