Lanterna Rally

Author: Lynn A. Fredriksson

Publisher:

Published: 2016

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13:

Analyzing primary and secondary data on the history of Somaliland parallel to that of Somalia, since decolonization through the Somali Civil War, I focus on Somaliland's decades-long state formation through the perspectives, arguments and actions of my informants themselves. I consider the impact of colonial trajectories, national self-identification, political repression and armed conflict on the unusual path chosen and followed by Somaliland's liberators up to 1991, then its representative leaders thereafter. I disaggregate my data on Somalilander views on evolving norms in relation to clan influence, traditional decision-making processes and norms of governance, diaspora support, security challenges, and other societal factors, as these are deeply relevant to Somaliland's adherence to international norms of statehood, and Somaliland's leaders have given each of them serious attention as they continue to pursue international recognition. This chapter also addresses the influence of the African Union, United Nations, and Ethiopia and Egypt's conflict over rights to the Nile, as context for Somaliland leaders' choices to take actions and its people's support bolstering de facto independence and the pursuit of international recognition. I conclude this chapter noting my assumption of Somaliland's de facto independence as a functioning state. Chapter VI Somaliland and Somalilanders: International Norms and Domestic Opinion Chapter six considers the reasons why certain populations of Somalilanders--minority groups, those from the disputed eastern regions of Sool and Sanaag, and some human rights activists--challenge Somaliland's right to unconditional international recognition of independence, a finding which simultaneously complicates the government's claim and influences its decisions. In this chapter I report data from both supporters of and detractors from Somaliland's quest for international recognition, how Somaliland's leaders have marshalled popular support in relation to international norms, and where they have failed to do so sufficiently. Chapter VII What Somalilanders have done to meet perceived international obligations Chapter seven considers several specific areas in which international norms of self-determination have impacted the decisions of Somaliland's leaders, based on specific criteria. It begins by further disaggregating relevant categories of norms, then cites interview data and other evidence of actions taken in relation to these norms, with a focus on demonstration of popular will and consolidation of territorial integrity. Chapter VIII Summary, Conclusions and Suggestions for Future Research This dissertation ends with a summary of findings in relation to several key conclusions: (1) Somaliland's leaders have taken significant steps toward meeting what they perceive to be the fundamental norms of self-determination and statehood required by members of the international community to grant Somaliland recognition. (2) Such actions explain not only the establishment of democratic institutions and Somaliland's 1991 referendum, they also allow us to better understand tensions among security concerns, human rights and development in Somaliland's capital and eastern regions. (3) While international norms have yet to be used by key actors to resolve Somaliland's international status, Somaliland's government has gone to great lengths to meet the criteria for self-determination, independence, statehood and potential international recognition as described in current norms and law. Appendix I Interview data from Las Anod Maps 1. Map of the current regions of Somaliland 2. Map of the contested regions of Somaliland 3. Map of the Continent of Africa 4. Map of East Africa and the Horn Charts I. Major Clan Families of Somalia and Isaaq Sub-Clans of Somaliland II. Clan Families and Major Haarti (Majerteen) Clans in Eastern Somaliland III. Sub-Clans and Affiliations of the Dulbahante in Las Anod, Sool, Somaliland Bibliography Books, Articles and Documents Interviews