On June 26th 1960 Somaliland protectorate gained independence from Britain. A week later it joined Somalia the former Italian colony. This merger lasted for 30 years.

After Somaliland reclaimed it’s independence on may 1991 despite it’s many achievements it has continuously suffered an image deficit due to the shadow of Somalia a country that only exists on paper. The world must know that Somaliland is a country free from war, oppression and dictatorship. It has de facto governance and to achieve de jure status must overcome the apathy of the international community.

The Somaliland government has been recently stepping up the recognition campaign among fellow African countries. South Africa is well known to be sympathetic to Somaliland successes. Ethiopia already a strategic ally is the only country that has upgraded its Hargeisa representative to the level of Ambassador. In 2005 Somaliland formally applied to become a member of the AU. Elsewhere, Somaliland parliamentarians headed by the speaker of the house A Cirro received a standing ovation at the Welsh Assembly in the United Kingdom.

Early 2007 Kenya’s parliamentarians visited Somaliland both houses of parliament. At the last African Union Summit in Addis, Rwanda has put the Somaliland issue to the table. Somaliland president was also invited and attended Ghana’s 50th anniversary of independence. Finally 14 members of the latter country returned the favor by taking part in the 16th Anniversary of Somaliland Independence.

Somaliland has diplomatic representatives in the following countries

Djibouti

Canada

Ethiopia

European Union (Brussels)

France

Ghana

Italy

Kenya

Norway

South Africa

United Kingdom

United States of America