Tuesday, October 18

Ever Heard of Somaliland, the Peaceful and Democratic Neighbor of Somalia?

Somaliland's flag
Contrary to the piracy and kidnappings which the media tends to focus on positive things are happening in parts of the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland is one such example. President Ahmed Mohamoud Silyano describes his people's quest for international recognition here.

Here's the BBC's profile of Somaliland.
Though not internationally recognised, Somaliland has a working political system, government institutions, a police force and its own currency. The territory has lobbied hard to win support for its claim to be a sovereign state. 
The former British protectorate has also escaped much of the chaos and violence that plague Somalia, although attacks on Western aid workers in 2003 raised fears that Islamic militants in the territory were targeting foreigners. 
Although there is a thriving private business sector, poverty and unemployment are widespread. The economy is highly dependent on money sent home by members of the diaspora. Duties from Berbera, a port used by landlocked Ethiopia, and livestock exports are important sources of revenue.
Information about traveling in Somaliland, including guidance on safety, can be read about here.

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