Subhead:A nation ignored for decades is charting its own peaceful path as its people call for recognition.#
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I’m reporting from the capital of Somaliland, a self-governing, Muslim democracy in the Horn of Africa that has long been overlooked by the international community. Unlike its troubled neighbour Somalia, Somaliland boasts stability, functioning institutions and regular free and fair elections. Yet for more than 30 years, the world has largely acted as if it doesn’t exist.
For decades, if you mentioned Somaliland, most people would have assumed you meant Somalia: a failed state notorious for piracy, kidnappings and extremist violence. But Somaliland is entirely different.
This territory was once British Somaliland, a protectorate established during the European scramble for Africa. Its southern neighbour, Italian Somaliland, shared language and culture but followed different colonial laws and political traditions. That distinction has proved crucial.
On 26 June 1960, British Somaliland briefly became independent, recognised by around 35 countries including Australia, Canada, the UK, and the United States. Only five days later, it voluntarily joined Italian Somaliland, creating the Somali Republic.
