Somaliland's quest for recognition: UK debate offers hint of a sea change

By Matthew Gordon, PhD Candidate, Politics & International Studies, SOAS, University of London

While the rest of the Horn of Africa region is making waves on the battlefield, the tiny, self-declared republic of Somaliland has been having its presence felt where representative democracy and open debate lurk.

In the halls of the UK Parliament, where, on the 18th of January, around two dozen British MPs convened to discuss the recognition of Somaliland’s independence.

The surprisingly large turnout and display…

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