Somaliland’s strategic value in the Horn of Africa means the repercussions of such a decision would be far-reaching
Some elections show signs of progress — youth-driven political transitions and active citizen involvement — others reveal systemic problems, including political manipulation and disenfranchisement
Three new African rock albums show how the genre has been given a new lease on life on the continent
Landlocked Ethiopia wants a port, any port. Somaliland has a coastline and wants someone to recognise the self-governing territory as a fully-fledged country. So a deal was made that could redraw the map. But everyone else objects
The Las Anod conflict complicates the mission for true independence from Somalia
We cannot accept anything less than a full guarantee of the safety of vulnerable people before the polls
Huawei’s pitch to African mayors ignores concerns that its Smart Cities technology can be abused
As part of the festival, the organisers have worked on ensuring that they nurture a new generation of Somali readers and writers
The self-governing territory’s president received a head of state’s welcome in Guinea, much to Somalia’s fury
Statelessness is an affront to human rights and a breach of international law, and countries must be forced to put an end to it
Africa’s big cats are being trafficked to rich households in the Middle East who want ‘something more exotic’
The book fair has been a key factor in Somaliland’s embrace of literature
But is Hargeisa sacrificing its values in its quest for independence?
A deal brokered by Ethiopia to develop the port at Berbera will have a ripple effect across the Horn of Africa
There are only two sea routes linking Europe with East Africa and much of Asia. Either you sail around the Cape of Good Hope or through the Suez Canal
Not feeling so hopeful? Click here for the other side of the coin in our ‘Africa for pessimists: 2017 in review’.
"The tallying process of the election was concluded and Kulmiye party candidate Muse Bihi Abdi won the election and will be the president"
In an extension of technological leapfrogging, Somaliland will become the first country in the world to use iris recognition in an election
Somaliland is not just any other country. Technically, it’s a not a country at all.
Female genital mutilation is still practiced in Somaliland. But women’s coalitions are working to change this.
After 23 years as an independent nation, Somaliland is still being denied recognition, says president Ahmed Mohamed Mohamoud Silanyo.
What Somalilanders have achieved they have done so with hardly any international assistance — a salutary reminder that local ownership does work.