Somalia vs Somaliland: A Long-Standing Dispute in the Horn of Africa

-




By salman | May 13, 2025 | Garissa News





Introduction


More than 30 years have passed since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia. Yet, the world continues to grapple with a key question: Is Somaliland an independent state or still part of Somalia?


The dispute between Somalia and Somaliland is one of Africa’s most enduring conflicts—rooted in history, identity, and politics. As diplomatic efforts falter and regional tensions rise, both sides remain firmly entrenched in their positions.





A Brief History: One Union, Two Paths


Somaliland was once a British protectorate. It gained independence on June 26, 1960, before uniting with the Italian-administered south to form the Somali Republic on July 1, 1960.


However, the union soon showed cracks. Many in Somaliland felt politically and economically marginalized. The tipping point came in the 1980s when the Siad Barre regime used brutal force to suppress northern dissent—culminating in the bombing of Hargeisa in 1988.


In 1991, as Somalia plunged into civil war, Somaliland declared its independence.




Somaliland: Peaceful, Stable, but Unrecognized


Today, Somaliland boasts its own:


Government


Currency


Military


Elections



It is often praised for its peaceful democracy and relative stability, especially compared to southern Somalia. Yet, no country formally recognizes Somaliland as independent.


President Muse Bihi Abdi has repeatedly stated:


> “We are not a breakaway region. We are a country that reasserted its sovereignty after a failed union.”




Despite diplomatic missions and lobbying efforts, Somaliland’s push for recognition remains blocked by African Union policy and fears of encouraging other secessionist movements.





Somalia’s Firm Stance on Unity


Somalia’s Federal Government insists that the country must remain united. All presidents since the 1990s have rejected Somaliland’s independence, including current President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.


> “Somalia is one country,” he said recently in a parliamentary address. “We believe in unity through dialogue, not separation.”




Mogadishu is open to negotiating autonomy but draws the line at full secession.




Hotspots of Tension: Sool, Sanaag, and Las Anod


Territorial disputes continue, especially in regions like Sool and Sanaag, which are claimed by both Somaliland and Puntland (a semi-autonomous state within Somalia).


In early 2023, the town of Las Anod witnessed deadly clashes when elders rejected Somaliland’s rule and called for direct governance from Mogadishu. The violence killed dozens and displaced thousands.


These regions remain volatile and illustrate the human cost of the dispute.




Dialogue Efforts: Stalled but Not Dead


Several rounds of Somalia–Somaliland talks have taken place in Djibouti, Turkey, and the UK. Mediators include:


The African Union


The UN


IGAD


The US and EU



The last high-level talks in 2020 ended without agreement. While both sides agreed to continue engaging, core issues like sovereignty and recognition remain unresolved.


In 2024, the African Union appointed a special envoy to revive the talks. Progress, however, has been minimal.




Global Response: Neutral Yet Engaged


No government has formally recognized Somaliland, but many nations engage with it informally, especially on security and development.


The United States supports counterterrorism cooperation.


The EU funds infrastructure and education projects.


The UAE has heavily invested in Berbera Port, a strategic asset on the Red Sea.



Taiwan–Somaliland ties have also raised eyebrows. Both have opened representative offices in each other’s capitals, angering both Somalia and China.




Berbera Port: An Economic Game Changer


Somaliland’s port of Berbera has grown rapidly, thanks to UAE investments through DP World. It’s now a key trade route for Ethiopia and the Horn of Africa.


But Somalia objects to such deals, saying that all international agreements must go through Mogadishu.


The Berbera development highlights Somaliland’s capability as a state but also fuels legal and diplomatic friction.




What Do People Say? Voices from Hargeisa and Mogadishu


In Hargeisa, Somalilanders are clear:


> “We have peace, democracy, and our own identity,” says Amina, a university student. “We are not part of Somalia anymore.”




In Mogadishu, the sentiment is mixed:


> “Somalia should stay united,” says Abdirahman, a taxi driver. “But maybe it's time to listen to Somaliland too.”




There are also neutral voices seeking middle ground:


“Maybe we can live as two neighbors in peace,” says one elder from central Somalia.






What’s Next? Peace, Recognition, or Continued Stalemate?


The Somalia–Somaliland dispute is not only about land or borders. It’s about identity, history, and the vision for the future of the Somali people.


Both sides need international support for a peaceful political settlement, and analysts say dialogue is the only path forward.


> “There is no military solution—only negotiation and compromise,” said one regional peace mediator.






Conclusion


The dispute between Somalia and Somaliland is far from over. Yet, the world watches and hopes that one of Africa’s most complex political challenges can be solved not with bullets, but with words.


As the Horn of Africa stands at a crossroads, the outcome of the Somalia–Somaliland issue may well define the region’s stability for years to come.



---


Stay tuned .

What's your view.  Is somaliland a country or a state 


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Garissa University Updates: CSL Assessment and New Student Portal Rollout Cause Mixed Reactions

-
Image
  Garissa University has recently embarked on two significant activities that have caught the attention of students and faculty alike. The first involves the ongoing assessment of Community Service Learning (CSL) projects by lecturers, a process crucial in evaluating students’ engagement with societal challenges. The second is the launch of a new student portal, which, while aimed at improving access to academic services, has also sparked confusion and misunderstanding among students. 2. CSL Assessment: Evaluating Community Engagement The assessment of Community Service Learning (CSL) projects is a key component of Garissa University’s commitment to holistic education. CSL requires students to apply their academic knowledge in real-life community settings, addressing issues such as environmental conservation, literacy programs, and public health awareness. Lecturers have now started reviewing these projects, assessing how well students have met learning objectives and contributed t...
Read more

Garissa University Students Raise Concerns Over KSh 9,000 Community Service Learning (CSL) Fee

-
Image
  Students at Garissa University have raised concerns over a mandatory KSh 9,000 fee required for Community Service Learning (CSL) assessment, questioning the necessity of the charge and its impact on their academic progress. The fee, which is meant to facilitate lecturers who assess students’ fieldwork, has become a topic of discussion among learners, with many seeking clarification on its purpose and necessity. This development has sparked discussions among students, faculty, and university officials on whether the cost should be reviewed, reduced, or integrated into overall tuition fees. While CSL is an important academic requirement, students feel that the extra financial burden could affect their ability to complete their studies on time. Understanding Community Service Learning (CSL) Community Service Learning (CSL) is an integral part of many university programs, designed to provide students with hands-on experience in real-world settings. Unlike traditional classroom-based ...
Read more

The Hidden Demands of Community Service Learning (CSL): What Every Student Must Know

-
Image
Community Service Learning (CSL) is an essential academic program designed to bridge the gap between theoretical learning and practical engagement with real-world issues. While many students embark on CSL expecting a simple volunteering experience, the reality is far more structured and academically rigorous. Here’s everything you need to know about CSL to ensure you meet the requirements and maximize the benefits of the program. 1. The 14-Week Logbook Requirement One of the most critical aspects of CSL is the logbook, which must be filled out consistently for 14 weeks from Monday to Friday. The logbook serves as a daily record of activities, reflections, and learning experiences throughout the program. It is essential to update it accurately and on time, as it plays a significant role in the final evaluation. Each entry should include: The specific activities performed each day Observations and challenges encountered Reflections on how these activities contribute to community developm...
Read more