The Country That Does Not Exist: A History of Somaliland

by Gérard Prunier

The Somali people are fiercely nationalistic. Colonialism split them into five segments divided between four different powers. Thus decolonization and pan-Somalism became synonymous. In 1960 a partial reunification took place between British Somaliland and Somalia Italiana. Africa Confidential wrote at the time that the new Somali state would never be beset by tribal division but this discounted the existence of powerful clans within Somali society and the persistence of colonial administrative cultures. The collapse of parliamentary democracy in 1969 and the resulting army--and clanic--dictatorship that followed led to a civil war in the 'perfect' national state. It lasted fourteen years in the "British" North and is still raging today in the 'Italian' South. Somaliland "re-birthed" itself through an enormous solo effort but the viable nation so recreated within its former colonial borders was never internationally recognized and still struggles to exist economically and diplomatically. This book recounts an African success story where the peace so widely acclaimed by the international community has had no reward but its own lonely achievement.

Genres: History, Somalia

289 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 15, 2021

Reviews

[Ginger Webb · Rating 1 out of 5]

A fascinating topic, but the author - who clearly knows his stuff - just can't convey all the intricate details without confusing the hell out of the reader. A much simpler approach was needed, at least at the outset of the book.

[Isaac J · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic read that provides a very comprehensive overview of Somaliland's journey from the ashes.