Shaping the Paradox of Somaliland Talks with Somalia

Abstract

Political rigidities created by Somaliland secessionism within Somalia are unsettled, three decades after the failed proclamation of independence in May 1991. Somaliland’s unilateral discourse in search for international recognition encountered significant challenges with no single country officially recognized. Somaliland’s talks with Somalia from 2012 to 2015 collapsed with key issues addressed have not been implemented despite attempts of diplomatic efforts by international facilitators. given the current political landscape in Somaliland's existing political grievances (power arrangements) in the peripherals, recurrent electoral disputes, and the war with Las Anod further exacerbated the political crisis in Somaliland. Despite their protracted and unsuccessful venture, Somaliland should allow internal dialogue with different political actors/stakeholders to debate and discuss the common issues amid future talks through a more inclusive and participatory approach. Consequently, reviving the collapsed talks between Somalia and Somaliland in a situation where Somaliland is facing an internal crisis will weaken Somaliland’s political stand. Yet, both sides should deliberate on the interests of their people. This paper concludes by reshaping the dialogue process by reviewing the factors that led to the collapse of successful dialogue, as well as proposals for future fruitful talks and how to decide the future merger or the relationships between the two sides.