Country That Does Not Exist: A History of Somaliland

The Somali people are fiercely nationalistic, divided into five segments by colonialism, and partially reunified in 1960. The collapse of parliamentary democracy in 1969 led to a civil war, and Somaliland struggles to exist economically and diplomatically.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 January 2021
Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd

The Somali people possess a strong sense of national identity, which was deeply impacted by the effects of colonialism. The division of the Somali people into five segments, each under the control of different powers, further intensified their nationalist sentiments. As a result, the concepts of decolonization and pan-Somalism became closely intertwined.

In 1960, a partial reunification occurred between British Somaliland and Somalia Italiana. However, Africa Confidential noted at the time that the new Somali state was expected to avoid tribal divisions, disregarding the existence of powerful clans within Somali society and the persistence of colonial administrative cultures. The collapse of parliamentary democracy in 1969 and the subsequent army- and clan-dominated dictatorship that followed led to a civil war in the so-called "perfect national state." This conflict, which lasted fourteen years in the "British North" and continues to rage today in the "Italian South," exemplifies the ongoing challenges faced by Somaliland in establishing its sovereignty and achieving international recognition.

Despite the immense efforts made by Somaliland to rebuild itself after gaining independence, the viable nation created within its former colonial borders has yet to receive international recognition. The country continues to struggle economically and diplomatically, facing numerous challenges that hinder its development and progress.

This book serves as a testament to an African success story, where the peace widely acclaimed by the international community has remained solely the result of the country's own lonely achievement. It sheds light on the complexities and challenges faced by Somaliland in its quest for independence and self-determination, highlighting the ongoing struggles and sacrifices of the Somali people in their pursuit of a unified and prosperous nation.

Weight: 476g
Dimension: 223 x 147 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787382039