Publication

This report addresses the democratization process and claims to statehood by Somalia’s northern Somaliland region. The paper presents a brief history of Somaliland, reviews its governance and democratization since self-declared independence in 1991 and reviews its election record. Subsequently, the paper provides details on local and presidential elections, discusses minority issues and stresses steps necessary to complete the democratic transition. The paper argues that the question is not whether Somaliland should be recognized as an independent state, but whether there remain any viable alternatives.