Somaliland, 1991 to 2026, in brief

How it began

In January 1991 the Somali National Movement took Berbera, Hargeisa and Burao. A Grand Conference in Burao then revoked the 1960 Act of Union, and on 18 May 1991 declared the Republic of Somaliland. No other Somali group was consulted (Bradbury, 1997).

Built by elders, with local money

Elders' conferences made the peace. The Sheekh conference in 1992 and the Boorama conference in 1993 built trust through customary law (xeer), and were paid for mostly by communities themselves (Farah and Lewis, 1997). From 1993 to 1995 the Egal government revived ministries, a central bank, a currency, police and courts, with little outside aid (Bradbury). A 2001 referendum approved a constitution with a council of elders (Guurti) as its upper house (Participedia).

Elections

Somaliland has held "regular, though often delayed" elections (Responsible Statecraft). In November 2024 the opposition candidate, Abdirahman Irro, won, and power passed peacefully (Al Jazeera).

The recognition question

• January 2024: a deal with Ethiopia offered sea access in return for a pledge of recognition. Somalia called it "null and void". The Ankara Declaration of December 2024 eased the dispute (ORF).
• 26 December 2025: Israel recognised Somaliland. Somalia, the African Union, the Arab League, IGAD, the OIC and others rejected the move (UN Press).

Two positions

Somaliland's government says it has met the tests of a state since 1991. Israel has noted that about 35 states recognised Somaliland during its few days of independence in June 1960 (UN Press). The federal government and most states hold that Somaliland is part of Somalia under the 1960 union. We set out both and take no side.

Not one view inside

Communities in Las Anod and Sool rejected Hargeisa's rule in 2023 and chose the federation, forming what is now North Eastern State (Las Anod conflict). Borama saw protests in December 2025 (2025 Borama protests).

Where things stand in 2026

Somaliland left talks with the federal government after Mogadishu recognised North Eastern State in April 2025 (Heritage Institute, 2025). The question of union or separation is still open.