Somaliland’s history of international trade dates back centuries, with connections to ancient civilizations such as Egypt, the Arabian Peninsula, the Indian subcontinent, and the Romans. The region’s reputation as a trade hub was built on the exchange of commodities like hides, skins, ivory, gums, and feathers, which were traded for essential goods like sugar, tea, dates, and clothing. Additionally, Somaliland played a central role in the trade of valuable spices such as Frankincense and Myrrh, with well-established trade routes spanning the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean. Over the years, the region witnessed the expansion of the Ottoman Empire, the introduction of Islam, and the frequent visits of Chinese merchants during the medieval period.
Prior to the formal establishment of the British Somaliland protectorate, the British government engaged in a series of treaties and agreements with local clan leaders and chiefs. Between 1884 and 1886, six treaties and three supplementary agreements were signed, ensuring the protection of the British monarchy. Under British administration, Somaliland experienced indirect rule, initially overseen by India and later by the colonial office after the region became a protectorate. To establish clear boundaries, legal agreements and international treaties were made with neighboring territories, including France, Italy, and Ethiopia. These borders have remained unchanged since the protectorate era, through Somaliland’s independence in 1960, and to the present day as an independent republic.
The Triumph of Independence: Somaliland achieved independence as the 12th African nation through a Royal Proclamation issued by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Remarkably, Somaliland gained sovereignty before 42 other African nations that are currently members of the African Union. Following its independence, Somaliland’s sovereignty was recognized by 34 member states of the United Nations, including the five permanent members of the Security Council. However, within a few days, Somaliland entered into a problematic and unratified union with Somalia, driven by the ambition to create a Greater Somali Nation.
On June 26, 1960, Somaliland celebrated its independence. However, this joy was short-lived as Somalia quickly annexed Somaliland, abandoning the idea of a united Somali nation and absorbing Somaliland instead. What initially seemed like a hopeful moment turned into a period of uncertainty and oppression. It brought three decades of significant hardship to the people of Somaliland. During this time, they faced immense challenges including injustice, inequality, and discrimination, which overshadowed their earlier aspirations for independence. The ill fated and unratified union led to a devastating conflict that resulted in the loss of countless innocent lives, with Somaliland cities being bombed and shelled indiscriminately by the Somalia military, causing widespread destruction to communities and infrastructure.
Among the chaos, the Isaaq clan, the largest in Somaliland, suffered targeted violence and genocide, worsening the already tragic situation. Despite these challenges, the resilience of the Somaliland people remained evident. Finally, in 1991, after years of struggle, Somaliland emerged victorious as the Somalia military forces were defeated. This victory marked a turning point, allowing Somaliland to reclaim its sovereignty and dissolve the unsuccessful union. With this hard-fought victory came the opportunity for Somaliland to forge its own path, rebuild its institutions, and embrace self-governance and restoration.
The dissolution of the failed union marked the start of an extraordinary African success story and the emergence of East Africa’s most democratic country. Somaliland’s journey to restoration of sovereignty and subsequent establishment as a sovereignty republic showcases the resilience and determination of its people. Today, as Somaliland strives for re-recognition on the global stage, its trade heritage and the unwavering spirit of its citizens serve as powerful symbols of its identity and potential.