LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Somaliland: Independence
built 628 days ago
Somaliland faces immense social and economic challenges. In the past years, over 500,000 Somaliland refugees have been repatriated from Ethiopia, Kenya and Yemen, and the towns already swell with nomads moving in from the countryside. Money transfer services, called hawalat, funnel roughly $400 million into Somaliland each year from Somalilanders living abroad, many in the West. These remittances are sorely needed. The livestock trade, Somaliland’s major economic resource, has suffered from a seven-year Saudi ban, supposedly the result of an outbreak of Rift Valley fever, but interpreted by Somalilanders as a political boycott targeting their claim of independence. Unemployment is estimated at 70 percent.
Source:
Ironically, that is exactly what Somaliland is seeking - respect for its borders that existed on its independence from the European colonial powers. Its pursuit of sovereignty is perfectly consistent with the African Union's position. Yet the AU's position with regard to Somaliland is contradicted by its consent to the separation of other African nations that were once united - Gambia and Senegal (joined in a "Senegambian Confederation", 1982-89), and Ethiopia and Eritrea (joined 1952-93).
Source:
The non-Isaaq tribes of Somaliland, such as the Gedabuursi, Isse, Dhulbahante and Warsangeli did not participate in the armed liberation struggle for independence by the SNM against the brutal regime of Mohamed Siad Barre. In fact, most of these tribes were armed and mobilized as local militias. They waged a merciless war against the Isaaqs and their movement (SNM).
Source:
Somaliland does not produce landmines and there have been no indications that it has exported or acquired new landmines since proclaiming independence. Officials have acknowledged the existence of stockpiles of antipersonnel mines, but have not provided information on numbers or types.
Source:
Somaliland's claim to statehood hinges on the territory's separate status during the colonial era from the rest of what became Somalia and its existence as a sovereign state for a brief period following independence from Britain in June 1960. Having voluntarily entered a union with Somalia in pursuit of the irredentist dream of Greater
Source:
It is not surprising that Somaliland faces many obstacles. No country recognizes it, and as a result, foreign assistance is modest. The annual budget of the country is only about $20 million. Somaliland entered its second independence in 1991 with a militia of some 40,000 men that it began to reduce to less than 10,000. An estimated 50 to 70 percent of the Somaliland budget goes to the military, primarily to pay salaries. Some payments go to soldiers who do not exist or are no longer in uniform.
Source:
MORE ABOUT
Independence