From: Berhane Habtemariam (Berhane.Habtemariam@gmx.de)
Date: Wed Nov 11 2009 - 07:17:21 EST
Somaliland stability 'at risk'
November 11, 2009 14:16 Mecca time, 11:16 GMT
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SpZrt0Pfqng&feature=player_embedded#
Somaliland has been hailed as a beacon of stability in the troubled Horn of
Africa region since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.
But Al Jazeera's Mohamed Adow, reports that some experts now believe the
self-declared republic is at crisis point, as an election row deepens.
The current tension in Somaliland centres on the presidential election,
which was due to have been held on September 27.
The polls have been postponed indefinitely due to serious differences
between the political parties since 2008.
This uncertainty has led to increased concern about Somaliland in the
international community, and a flare-up of political animosity within the
territory.
Recent violence, particularly in the capital Hargeysa, has shown that the
crisis in Somaliland has changed from being political to one of security and
stability.
Fears over the crisis have even led one senior political figure to warn that
it could become another failed state, like neighbouring Somalia.
Somaliland is a former British protectorate in north western Somalia.
In 1960, it gained its independence and united with what was then Italian
Somaliland to form the Somalia republic.
Limited democracy
In 1991, it declared independence after Mohamed Siad Barre, the Somali
military leader, was overthrown.
Somaliland has a population of 3.5 million people, according to government
estimates, and is a relatively stable democracy even though it has not been
internationally recognised.
This is partly because it has developed a unique hybrid system of
government.
The row over elections - largely seen as a test for this fledgling nation -
threatens to divide it.
Afyare Elmi, a Somali political analyst, told Al Jazeera: "The concerns are
real. The opposition fears the government is not interested in holding this
election and there is a lot at stake. Unless these elections take place,
they might have some problems.
"However, if history tells us anything, the Somaliland leadership has shown
that at least they could address with traditional leadership the issues when
they arise."
The hope now rests with a recently appointed electoral commission, entrusted
with the task of organising elections, a step seen as vital to Somaliland's
quest for international recognition.
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