independentsomaliland

Why this blog got started…

A chance encounter with a family friend over Christmas led this recently graduated peace and conflict studies student into a deep and interesting conversation and debate about the current issues around Somaliland and its fight to have its independence from Somalia recognised by the international community.

All too often people (wrongly) assume that Somaliland is still part of Somalia, when in fact – as you will see from the information provided in this blog – it’s been independent since 1991.  Not only that, but whilst Somalia has since devolved into a failed state and is struggling with issues of lack of stable government, piracy and violence, Somaliland has gone the opposite way.  Nowadays it is a haven  – economically, politically and socially stable with a democratic government – it is a country at peace.

The differences between Somaliland and its neighbour Somalia are marked, but why is the international community ignoring Somalilands accomplishments and instead focusing all of its attention on Somaliland’s failed neighbour, Somalia?  Surely some attention and recognition should be paid to the great strides Somaliland has achieved and the successes it has enjoyed in the face of all odds?

This blog has been devised and written to draw attention to these issues – to reaise awareness and try and encourage the UK government – and others – to do the right thing and officially recognise the independence that Somaliland has been celebrating for over 20 years.