In fact, some members of Dir, sub-clan of “Issaq” are pushing for independence from Somalia. In that regard, from a sub clan perspective, independence makes sense. But culturally, ethnically, economically, politically, nationally, and internationally, It makes no sense at all by creating another welfare state that can not support it’s self economically and politically, but will depend on 98% foreign aid. These underlying reasons alone should be why no one is or should move to recognize a Somaliland State. 

It should be noted that, Somaliland was never intended to be “independent” from Somalia. The British, who controlled Northwestern Somalia (known as Somaliland), and the Italians, who controlled Northeastern Somalia (know as Puntland) including the southern part of Somalia, both agreed to grant independence on the same date July 1, 1960. In-order to facilitate the merging of the two areas into one Somalia. The British, for their own particular “British” reasons jumped the gun to give independence to Northwestern Somalia “Somaliland” only four days before the proposed date.  Nonetheless, the two areas were quickly merged reflecting the desires of the people of both areas to be one nation.  Even now, a great number within Somali Landers strongly oppose the succession of Somaliland Sol and Sanag Regions.

The desires of the people from both areas to be one nation are now, even greater today then 1960.  And it makes perfect sense when one understands the Clan ties between the people of Somaliland and Somalia.   In addition, the ties continue to be close when one understands that the current government of Somalia has provided 61 seats in its parliament for the Dir Clan, which is the ruling, Clan in Somaliland.    

It is also important to note that Somaliland is not comparable to Yugoslavia or the Baltic states. Yugoslavia was separated due to the historical irreconcilable religious differences and extreme hatred therein.    The Baltic States have distinct languages, religions, and ethnic ties from each other.   More importantly, the Baltic States were independent in 1918 and only lost that independence through Soviet aggression.    Somaliland and Somalia are one in culture, language and religion.    

A year from now, even greater strides will be made and the world will appreciate the new opportunities of Somalia. Accordingly, Somalia can no longer be described in terms of this one sided conference and because of this, when the time is right, Somalia will be as they were, one nation under one God.