Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
- The country is still unrecognised by the international community.
- Lack of recognition has left the country impoverished, poor, with no avenues for employment.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The country is still unrecognised by the international community. Lack of recognition has left the country impoverished, poor, with no avenues for employment. Jobs are scarce for the youth who represent three-quarters of the population. Most of the young graduates from Somaliland’s universities every year with no one to hire them, leave the homeland.
Lack of recognition has made life hard for Somaliland’s 4.5 million people. They have limited opportunity to travel as their passports are not recognised. Similarly, the country has almost no access to foreign loans, aid and investment leaving the region impoverished. The early post-war government that was isolated and relied on its diaspora to rebuild the country. Even today it depends heavily on Diaspora support.
For the last 30 years, Somaliland has been trying unsuccessfully to get the world recognise its statehood. Only Taiwan has extended formal recognition. A few African and European countries have opened diplomatic missions in Hargeisa.
Unlike Somalia, which has failed to deliver elections without violence, despite billions in foreign aid, Somaliland successfully held democratic elections. Somaliland government highlights its achievements such as relative safety and peaceful elections in May that delivered an opposition victory. Leaders rule under a constitution, checked by the courts. The national army guards its disputed border with Somalia and also borders with Djibouti and Ethiopia. The government hopes that the countries compelling story will gradually win international recognition. It is also hoped that the recent $442 million agreement by a Dubai-based company to develop Berbera port will attract other investors, and create much-needed jobs.
