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Periodical article | Leiden University catalogue | WorldCat |
Title: | Conceding reality: moving forward in Somaliland |
Author: | Khalid, Sunni M. |
Year: | 2001 |
Periodical: | Horn of Africa |
Volume: | 19 |
Pages: | 117-130 |
Language: | English |
Geographic terms: | Somalia Somaliland |
Subjects: | separatism independence |
Abstract: | Far away from the violence and chaos of Mogadishu, still regarded as the capital of an effectively stateless Somalia, another part of what was the Democratic Republic of Somalia has already begun the process of reconstruction and is thriving in relative peace, albeit virtual anonymity. So far, the international community has yet to acknowledge the will of the people of Somaliland, or 10 years of remarkable political stability and economic growth without the benefits of diplomatic recognition. When, in 1960, British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland achieved independence and merged as the internationally recognized country of Somalia, the euphoria of newfound independence could not disguise the fact that this new polity was the product of two very different, and ultimately incompatible, political cultures and colonial experiences. The pervasive pattern of clan discrimination in favour of Southern clans during the regime of Mohamed Siad Barre would also carry the long-term effect of discrediting the idea of pan-Somali rule. Presently, the wounds of the subsequent civil war have not healed, which is a major impediment facing an attempt to reconstitute a unitary Somali State. The sooner the international community recognizes that most Somalis no longer believe in a single unitary State, the sooner it will be able to assist Somaliland and/or Puntland in providing tangible support for genuine political stability and economic growth. [ASC Leiden abstract] |