Conclusion
Somaliland stands out as a successful case study of African state-building. The region has eschewed the violence that convulsed its southern counterpart in favor of an inclusive and accountable government that blends Western institutions with those expressively unique to Somalia.
Now Somaliland boasts a vibrant democracy and a motivated civil society that yearns for international recognition and its benefits. The self-declared state still faces internal and external challenges that could potentially spoil its accomplishments, and would greatly benefit from the bilateral assistance that follows international recognition. The international community needs to increase its engagement with Somaliland and develop an explicit policy to chart the region’s path to statehood.
President Sillanyo and the government should be required to make meaningful reforms before its recognition is brought under legitimate consideration. However, these benchmarks should be fair and obtainable, especially as Somaliland compares favorably to South Sudan, another novice state in the Horn. The international community currently has an opportunity to validate and support a participatory and legitimate democracy in one of the world’s most contentious regions. Failure to affirm Somaliland’s achievements will not only harm the region but also democratic efforts around the world.
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