Becoming Somaliland: Reconstructing a Failed State (African Issues) [Hardcover]

Mark Bradbury (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 29, 2008 | Series: African Issues

In 1991, the leaders of the Somali National Movement and elders of the northern Somali clans proclaimed the new Republic of Somaliland. Since then, in contrast to the complete collapse of Somalia, Somaliland has successfully managed a process of reconciliation, demobilization, and restoration of law and order. They have held three successful democratic elections and the capital, Hargeysa, has become an active international trading center. Despite this display of good governance in Africa, Somaliland has yet to be recognized by the international community. International efforts have been directed toward the reunification of Somalia, which has failed, even after 14 peace conferences and international military intervention. Warlords continue to overrun and destabilize southern Somalia while Somaliland works to build peace, stability, and democracy. How long will it be before this African success story achieves the recognition it deserves?

Editorial Reviews

Review

"... fill[s] an important gap in the literature on Somali studies." -- Pambazuka News

"The most detailed treatment of the self-proclaimed Somaliland state and its emergence from collapsed Somalia." -- Peter D. Little, author of Somalia: Economy without State

Bradbury (development consultant) has written, with muted advocacy, an extended plea for the recognition of British Somaliland as a state, independent from embattled Somalia. Every aspect of this small enclave is explored. However, the text is rife with contradictions: while giving a detailed narrative of the positive development of the polityfollowing the independence declaration, it glosses over civil conflicts; while waxing positive on the economic foundation of Somaliland, it quickly notes its 73 percent poverty rate. Most conclusions, positive or negative, are followed by qualifiers, making it difficult to assess the material. Somaliland is described as a complex kinship-based society dominated by the Isaaq clan. With the democratic constitution and elections, the clan has the presidency and 57 of the 82 seats in the lower house, and clan-based elders fill the upper house of the legislature. The text needs a coherent organizational theme that does not allow the detail to overwhelm a general understanding of the society. Still, there is no other source on Somaliland that has this text's breadth of discussion. Many will find it difficult to read the eight-point font of the references, index, and footnotes. Best for those with an interest in the Horn of Africa. Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. --Choice R. M. Fulton, Northwest Missouri State University, March 2009

"... comprehensive, providing both a history of the region and a fairly complete assessment of recent state-building efforts." -- Nicolas van de Walle, Foreign Affairs, Vol. 88.3 May/June 2009

"[T]here is no other source on Somaliland that has this text's breadth of discussion.... Summing Up: Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above." -- Choice, March 2009

From the Publisher

"The most detailed treatment of the self-proclaimed Somaliland state and its emergence from collapsed Somalia." --Peter D. Little, author of Somalia: Economy without State --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 200 pages
• Publisher: Indiana University Press (April 29, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0253351782
• ISBN-13: 978-0253351784
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,544,507 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars C P Slayton, August 7, 2011

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C P Slayton (Monterey, CA) - See all my reviews

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This review is from: Becoming Somaliland:(African Issues) (Paperback)

Bradbury offers multiple reasons for having a better, more stable democratic or regional transition. What were the factors that contributed to their success? Somaliland received very little initial aid in the 90s, they were homogeneous within the Isaaq clan, they built solidarity through a civil war with Somalia and collective persecution and finally, Somaliland is small.

Which factor was the greater influence? What factors are missing? In everything Somaliland looks like a guinea pig for statehood and state-making. Would it look so good once they finally achieve the international recognition? Are they doing better because they are working so hard to reach the goal? My take on the success... Somaliland is a fat, healthy guinea pig. Is it worth it to give that up?

Somaliland had worked much closer and better with Ethiopia unlike Somalia where Ethiopia is the enemy.
Somaliland has no 'enemy' to fight against to rally for secession. There is no foreign army or persecutor they can charge. There is no one forcing them to create a certain type of government, hybrid or not. All the initiatives are internal which means Somaliland can't point their finger at anyone but themselves. Without a scapegoat, the people actually get along better, regardless of their government type or style.

Can Somaliland's success be reproduced anywhere else? That would be difficult. Bradbury does give a good look at the history.