The limbo existence of Somaliland

Unlike the rest of Somalia, which since the overthrow of Siad Barre in 1991 has had no effective government, the break-away province of Somaliland (although not recognized by any government) has maintained a stable existence, is slowly becoming a paradigm of stability which hopefully might spread across the rest of the ‘Horn of Africa’.

Somaliland unlike war-torn Somalia proper, boasts a constitution, a functional parliament and government ministries, an army, a police force, judiciary, and many of the signs of statehood, including a flag, currency, and passport. Nonetheless, it faces some significant problems to its continued survival. Like other Somali governments, it lacks a consistent taxation base and receives most of its support from private actors. Corruption remains a problem, women are virtually unrepresented in government, and there are growing concerns about voting patterns based on ethnic lines as well as the majority that United Peoples' Democratic Party (UDUB) has gained over both the regional councils and presidency as well as the parliament. Moreover, the large part of Somalilanders still harbour vivid memories of a predatory and extractive central state and are therefore wary of the construction of any strong central authority; this is evident in the importance placed on the role of the regional councils in dealing with local problems.

Having created a de facto state, and a democratic one to boot, Somaliland has sought outside recognition, based on its separate colonial status and its brief existence as a sovereign entity in 1960. The lack of international recognition towards Somaliland could potential hinder the ‘consolidation of democracy’ and may, if left unrecognised could collapse into a ‘failed state’ just as Somalia has done. If that happens it could very easily become a haven for ‘Islamic extremists’. This it is essential for governments especially those in the West to give Somaliland the recognition it so badly deserves

Beyond that continent, countries at the forefront of the fight against terrorism should not ignore its potential as a strategic ally. Among them, Britain, as the former colonial power, has a special responsibility to see that Somaliland's case does not go by default.