Product Description

In 1991, the leaders of the Somali National Movement and elders of the northern Somali clans proclaimed the new Republic of Somaliland. Since then, in contrast to the complete collapse of Somalia, Somaliland has successfully managed a process of reconciliation, demobilization, and restoration of law and order. They have held three successful democratic elections and the capital, Hargeysa, has become an active international trading center. Despite this display of good governance in Africa, Somaliland has yet to be recognized by the international community. International efforts have been directed toward the reunification of Somalia, which has failed, even after 14 peace conferences and international military intervention. Warlords continue to overrun and destabilize southern Somalia while Somaliland works to build peace, stability, and democracy. How long will it be before this African success story achieves the recognition it deserves?

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1136893 in Books
• Published on: 2008-04-23
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 200 pages

Review
"...[A] comprehensive and inspiring account...will make a major contribution..." -- Pambazuka News, Izzy Birch, 5/13/08 (http://www.pambazuka.org)

Bradbury (development consultant) has written, with muted advocacy, an extended plea for the recognition of British Somaliland as a state, independent from embattled Somalia. Every aspect of this small enclave is explored. However, the text is rife with contradictions: while giving a detailed narrative of the positive development of the polityfollowing the independence declaration, it glosses over civil conflicts; while waxing positive on the economic foundation of Somaliland, it quickly notes its 73 percent poverty rate. Most conclusions, positive or negative, are followed by qualifiers, making it difficult to assess the material. Somaliland is described as a complex kinship-based society dominated by the Isaaq clan. With the democratic constitution and elections, the clan has the presidency and 57 of the 82 seats in the lower house, and clan-based elders fill the upper house of the legislature. The text needs a coherent organizational theme that does not allow the detail to overwhelm a general understanding of the society. Still, there is no other source on Somaliland that has this text's breadth of discussion. Many will find it difficult to read the eight-point font of the references, index, and footnotes. Best for those with an interest in the Horn of Africa. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. --Choice R. M. Fulton, Northwest Missouri State University, March 2009

Review

"... fill[s] an important gap in the literature on Somali studies." -- Pambazuka News

"The most detailed treatment of the self-proclaimed Somaliland state and its emergence from collapsed Somalia." -- Peter D. Little, author of Somalia: Economy without State

"... comprehensive, providing both a history of the region and a fairly complete assessment of recent state-building efforts." -- Nicolas van de Walle, Foreign Affairs, Vol. 88.3 May/June 2009

"[T]here is no other source on Somaliland that has this text's breadth of discussion.... Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." -- Choice, March 2009

From the Publisher
"The most detailed treatment of the self-proclaimed Somaliland state and its emergence from collapsed Somalia." --Peter D. Little, author of Somalia: Economy without State