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For the last 20 years Somaliland pulled all the strings it could pull to gain recognition the unconventional way. It portrayed a state at peace and stability, held very positive democratic elections but however due to either naivety or outright political inexperience they refused going about it in the reasonable and most sensible method, which was through Mogadishu. The political slap of both the British coercing (forcing) Somaliland to join the London conference and sit at the same table with Galmudug, Awdal State and Khatumo State pretty much sums up that the road to recognition hasn't even stepped up an inch since 20 years ago. The self isolationist anti Mogadishu policy was the greatest downfall for Somaliland.

How easily can recognition be gained?

Look at the political players, it wouldn't even take too long to make a reasonable case in Mogadishu, like Monk pointed out, the South Sudanese gained independence through Khartoum, not through building institutions or acting like a separate state. How long will it take for them to realise this?

Until the Xamarphobia goes, there will never be recognition. The reason why Puntland is much more politically relevant than Somaliland is because they "recognise" Mogadishu. I say that quite reservedly, knowing Puntland, they are as much independent from Mogadishu as Somaliland is, however political experience and knowledge is why Puntland will secure political, economic deals with nations and heavyweight corporations and Somaliland wont.

It's been 20 years, humans know how to adapt, is it time Somaliland changed course? Even the Jews forgot about the Holocaust as soon as Israel was created apart from scoring political points and securing reparations the Holocaust doesn't even matter. Is it time the fear of Mogadishu goes?

Is it time for Somaliland to take a new approach or continue on this dead end road until another 50 years elapses with no recognition?

I am afraid the dhullos are basically dismantling the SL dream.

Somaliland will find it very hard to convince the world to support their cause for self-determination while denying the same to others. Merely saying ''it is the British borders'' is not very persuasive.

If Awdal state SSC and become serious admins then it's a wrap.

With that being said...I support SL breaking away if that's what makes them happy.

For the last 20 years Somaliland pulled all the strings it could pull to gain recognition the unconventional way. It portrayed a state at peace and stability, held very positive democratic elections but however due to either naivety or outright political inexperience they refused going about it in the reasonable and most sensible method, which was through Mogadishu. The political slap of both the British coercing (forcing) Somaliland to join the London conference and sit at the same table with Galmudug, Awdal State and Khatumo State pretty much sums up that the road to recognition hasn't even stepped up an inch since 20 years ago. The self isolationist anti Mogadishu policy was the greatest downfall for Somaliland.

How easily can recognition be gained?

Look at the political players, it wouldn't even take too long to make a reasonable case in Mogadishu, like Monk pointed out, the South Sudanese gained independence through Khartoum, not through building institutions or acting like a separate state. How long will it take for them to realise this?

Until the Xamarphobia goes, there will never be recognition. The reason why Puntland is much more politically relevant than Somaliland is because they "recognise" Mogadishu. I say that quite reservedly, knowing Puntland, they are as much independent from Mogadishu as Somaliland is, however political experience and knowledge is why Puntland will secure political, economic deals with nations and heavyweight corporations and Somaliland wont.

It's been 20 years, humans know how to adapt, is it time Somaliland changed course? Even the Jews forgot about the Holocaust as soon as Israel was created apart from scoring political points and securing reparations the Holocaust doesn't even matter. Is it time the fear of Mogadishu goes?

Is it time for Somaliland to take a new approach or continue on this dead end road until another 50 years elapses with no recognition?

AP you may have some valid points above highlighted, I would also argue why would international community recognize SL? what would be their incentive if they would recognize SL? at least South Sudanese people are not muslims, therefore Christian countries mainly western countries made sure they should be seperated from so called (oppressing?) islamic north.

Very different scenario.

South Sudan gains recognition from Sudan which is an existing functional state.

Eritrea gains it from Ethiopia non-existing at the time in 1991 there was total breakdown like somalia but the EPLF controlled the government in Addis Abbaba and MADE them sign on the dotted line.

These are very very different scenarios.
the main difference is that Somalia does not exist in reality it only exists on paper, while somaliland exists in reality but not on paper.


Involvement with the TFG at this moment will not be helpfull, we are not puntland we have different interests and do not need any involvement with TFG.
We will negotiate with TFG and its international handlers when they achieve order.

Very different scenario.

South Sudan gains recognition from Sudan which is an existing functional state.

Eritrea gains it from Ethiopia non-existing at the time in 1991 there was total breakdown like somalia but the EPLF controlled the government in Addis Abbaba and MADE them sign on the dotted line.

These are very very different scenarios.
the main difference is that Somalia does not exist in reality it only exists on paper, while somaliland exists in reality but not on paper.


Involvement with the TFG at this moment will not be helpfull, we are not puntland we have different interests and do not need any involvement with TFG.
We will negotiate with TFG and its international handlers when they achieve order.

Somalia doesn't exist because several rebels groups, among them being the SNM, conspired in and lead the dismantling of the state and the collapse of its institutions.
Now some of the rebel groups are in Mogadishu presiding over farce governments that plunder what little wealth the nation has, and some other rebels have made a northern stronghold and declared themselves an independent country. You can see why the international community doesn't take either Somaliland or the TFG particularly seriously....they're both entities based in illegitimacy taking advantage of the chaos and the breakdown of law and order that has engulfed the nation since 1991.

What is legitimacy then?
where does it come from?

You seem to think somalia is a holy place, and its borders made by god.
Its borders where created when some white men drew some lines on a series of maps between 1884 and 1900.

The somali state was also fully created by Non somalis.

Why do you act as if it is sacrosant?

and you have it wrong about the SNM.

In 1989 we made an agreement with the USC and SPM to form a Transitional government that will take over.
In 1991 the USC broke apart and there was no one to talk to.

"Somalilanders have put the cart before the horse"

Ismaciil Cumar Guelleh. November 2011.

We are asking the world to recognise the country we have built for ourselves .
You are asking the world to build you one .

We will NEVER lose .

We are asking the world to recognise the country we have built for ourselves .
You are asking the world to build you one .

We will NEVER lose .

What is legitimacy then?
where does it come from?

You seem to think somalia is a holy place, and its borders made by god.
Its borders where created when some white men drew some lines on a series of maps between 1884 and 1900.

The somali state was also fully created by Non somalis.

Why do you act as if it is sacrosant?

and you have it wrong about the SNM.

In 1989 we made an agreement with the USC and SPM to form a Transitional government that will take over.
In 1991 the USC broke apart and there was no one to talk to.

Legitimacy comes from the law, and in so far as the law as the law is concerned "somaliland" is apart of the rest of Somalia.
Launching an armed insurrection and destroying the previous government does not give somaliland immunity from the law nor special treatment.
Unless we decide to grant you independence, which we won't, nobody else will....no one is going to stick their neck out for a small resourceless region