Following the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre in 1991, Somaliland, a breakaway semi-desert region on the Gulf of Aden coast, proclaimed its independence.
The action came after a secessionist conflict in which Siad Barre's forces hunted down guerilla rebels in the region. Towns were destroyed and tens of thousands of people were killed.
Although it is not recognized by the rest of the world, Somaliland has a functioning political system, governmental agencies, a police force, and its own currency.
A large portion of the chaos and violence that afflict Somalia has also been avoided in the former British protectorate.
- in capital letters. Hargeisa.
- Area:. 177,000 sq km.
- Population:. five seven million.
- Languages:. English, Arabic, and Somali.
- Typical lifespan: 50 years.
Muse Bihi Abdi is in charge.
In November 2017, Ahmed Silanyo was replaced as president by Muse Bihi Abdi.
Since Silanyo, the Kulmiye party's founder and leader, was elected president in 2010, Mr. Bihi has served as the party's chairman.
Bihi served as the interior minister of Somaliland in the 1990s before retiring as an air force pilot.
The first term of President Bihi was set to end in November 2022, but lawmakers decided to extend it by two years after the electoral commission requested a postponement due to logistical and financial issues.
His presidency is no longer recognized by the opposition Waddani and UCID parties, according to their statements. The relative stability in Somaliland is in danger due to protests and tensions over the president's term.
The only domestic radio station that is allowed to operate is the government's mouthpiece, Radio Hargeisa. Alongside a government-run network, private TV stations are present.
Media outlets and journalists who cover sensitive subjects, such as territorial disputes with neighboring Puntland, are targeted by the authorities.
the 7th century. - The modern-day Somaliland region begins to see a rise in Islam.
fourteenth century. - The Christian Ethiopian Empire is in charge of the region's Islamic sultanates.
1527 . - The Sultanate of Adal rebels against Ethiopian rule and subjugates a large portion of Ethiopia before being vanquished in 1543 with Portuguese assistance.
1888 . British Somaliland is established as a protectorate by Britain through treaties with the regional sultanates.
1899. - Muslim cleric Mohammed Abdullah revolts against British rule and founds the Dervish State, which endures until it is wiped out by British forces in 1920.
1960 . - The Somali Republic, formerly known as British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland, gains independence.
1991 . - Following the overthrow of Somali President Mohamed Siad Barre, the former British Somaliland unilaterally declares independence as Somaliland, throwing the rest of Somalia into chaos.
2001. - In a referendum intended to ratify Somaliland's self-declared independence, more than 97% of the populace chooses to support the constitution passed in 1997.
2016 . despite having self-declared independence for 25 years, Somaliland is still not recognized as a country.
