The Secession of Somaliland: A Study of State-Building Opportunities

Volume 17, Issue: 1 part 2
Spring 2026
Pages 205-228

Author

Al-Nahrain University - College of Law

Abstract
Somaliland gained independence from Britain in 1960 and entered into a voluntary union with Italian Somalia in preparation for the creation of Greater Somalia. However, the construction of this emerging state did not proceed as desired due to the south's dominance over the north and its marginalization politically and economically. The situation worsened after a military coup in 1969 and the use of violence and killing against the people of Somaliland. As a result, the Somali National Movement was established in the north and entered into a military confrontation with the regime until the fall of the Mogadishu government in 1991 and the unilateral declaration of secession. Somaliland was able to build a state of institutions and achieve national reconciliation among its tribes, but this declared state did not receive international recognition due to the federal government's refusal to accept the option of secession.

Keywords

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