The Brave Story of Somaliland's Independence

By: Yusuf Habiib Hussein (Seer)

In the regions of the Horn of Africa, toward the close of the 20th century, evolved one such saga of resilience and gallantry that gave birth to a nation called Somaliland. Many independence movements arose through people who wanted freedom through negotiation or gradual political reform. The sovereignty struggle for Somaliland was hammered out on the anvil of armed struggle, led by the Somali National Movement (SNM), braced with the unbending will of its people.

Courage of the SNM: The SNM was founded in 1981 as the vanguard of the then-struggle against the naked dictatorship of Siad Barre's regime in Somalia. The regime, rather infamous for its ruthless quelling of dissent and general marginalization of the northern regions, had specially reserved its repressive machinery for the Isaaq clan, which represented the SNM's backbone. Members of the movement included former military officers, intellectuals, and ordinary citizens who are able to take up arms to fight for their rights and protect their communities against state-sponsored violence.

It was really courageous on the part of the SNM fighters. They turned to guerrilla warfare, operating from bases in Ethiopia and making cross-border raids. The SNM was never determined to be outgunned and outnumbered. It wasn't just a fight against the regime; they were fighting for their vision of a free and just society. It was mass popular support from the local population, fired up by the actions of the SNM, who saw in them a ray of hope amidst the dark night of tyranny.

The Determination of the People: While the SNM engaged in the military struggle itself, it was the people of Somaliland who provided a rival form of resistance in staunch support for the independence movement and cause. The population paid a very high cost during the war: aerial bombardments, displacements, and razing of major cities such as Hargeisa and Burao were all part of the experience. But their spirit was undefeated.

It was because of the civilian population that the SNM was always sustained. Most of the time, civilians provided shelter, supplies, and intelligence at great personal risk. This general will, more than anything else, was evidence not only for the desire of freedom but equally as a powerful declaration of unity. People of Somaliland were no longer bystanders but transformed into fully active participants in this struggle for self-determination.

Independence through Courage, Not Fear. Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, after the collapse of the Barre regime. This declaration crowned the process at the end of years of struggle and sacrifice. Unlike most cases of secession, the path that Somaliland took towards independence lacked the fear-mongering or rhetoric that would breed division. It was driven by a positive vision in which peace, democracy, and development could blossom.

It has been a hard slog, but Somaliland has tried relentlessly during these years since the declaration of its independence to build a stable and democratic state. Without international recognition, it has managed to construct a functioning government, conduct regular elections, and maintain peace in a turbulent region. Such success is the epitome of what can be achieved by courage, unity, and common vision.

The story of Somaliland's independence is one of strong survival, bravery, and the unbreakable will of a people determined to shape their destiny. It evokes inspiration for today's times, showing that even against long odds, so much can be done by the human spirit. While the Somaliland journey is far from complete, what has been achieved to date serves as evidence to the power of courage and collective effort. As Somaliland presses on, forging a way ahead, it continues shining like a star to give hope by example—what can be achieved if people come together in the fight for freedom and their future.