Somaliland Merits International Recognition

The history of Somaliland is distinctly peculiar that distinguishes politically from Somalia. The date of 26 June 1960, that Somaliland protectorate became independent, sets a landmark history for Somaliland. However, after four days of international recognition as an independent state, Somaliland formed a union with Italian Somalia which failed after three decades as it fell far short of the expectations of the people of Somaliland origin. At the outset widespread injustice, discrimination and lack of development in the northern regions led to mistrusts that ultimately escalated to an open dissent with the formation of an armed opposition (SNM). The government's scorched earth policies, human rights abuses, atrocities and crimes against humanity implemented have been graphically described. Somaliland withdrew from the union and reclaimed lost sovereignty in 1991, and has since then successfully achieved remarkable success in establishing peace security and stability and democratisation. The book finally makes analysis on the contemporary challenge (international recognition) arguing that, with all its accoutrements of statehood, Somaliland merits international recognition.