How Many Somali States?

▪ 2002

 For the past decade there has been one island of relative stability in the sea of clan warfare and political uncertainty that is the Horn of Africa. On May 18, 2001, the “Republic of Somaliland” celebrated its 10th anniversary. This territory in the northwest of Somalia comprises the former British Somaliland protectorate (which was independent for six days in 1960 before it amalgamated with the former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic). (See Map—>.) So far, however, it has failed to win international recognition.

      In 1991, after the fall of Somalia's military dictator Muhammad Siad Barre, the victorious Somali National Movement unilaterally reasserted the independent status of the northwest area and claimed the old protectorate frontiers. The bustling capital, Hargeysa, was rebuilt after its destruction by Siad Barre's forces. Muhammad Ibrahim Egal (who had been Somalia's prime minister at the time of independence in 1960) was elected president in 1993 at a conference of traditional elders. In 2001 he was seeking a third term but faced strong opposition. In a referendum on June 1, 97% of the eligible voters supported the new constitution, which affirmed the region's independence from the rest of Somalia.

      In 1998 the northeastern area of Somalia also proclaimed itself the “autonomous region” of Puntland, but, unlike Somaliland, its stated goal was eventual incorporation into a federal Somali state. Puntland is governed by a house of representatives and a traditional elders' council. The inland town of Garoowe is the official capital, while the thriving port of Boosaaso is the commercial centre. Col. Abdullahi Yusuf was elected president by the elders' council. Yusuf's mandate was to have expired on June 30, 2001, but was extended for another three years by the elders' council and the house of representatives. Opposition leaders claimed, however, that the vote was manipulated. In July Chief Justice Yusuf Haji Nur issued a decree deposing him. A general conference called in November elected Col. Jama Ali Jama president; Yusuf and his supporters responded by attacking Garoowe, and a standoff ensued.

      So far, beyond the creation of Eritrea from Ethiopia in 1993, the international community has not been willing to sanction the political fragmentation of the Horn by recognizing these secessionist states. As long as the jockeying and fighting between clan groups continues to paralyze government in Somalia, however, the delicate balance between multiple Somali states is likely to continue.

Virginia Luling

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