Somaliland Declaration of Independence facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Somaliland Declaration of Independence
Agreements between Somaliland sultans from the Isaaq, Dhulbahante, Issa, Gadabursi, Warsangali clans and the Somali National Movement
Created	5 May 1991
Ratified	18 May 1991
Location	Burao
Authors	Adan Ahmed Diiriye
Signers	17 Somali sultans from Sool, Sanaag, Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed and Togdheer signed the Declaration of Independence of Somaliland
Purpose	Declare the independence of the Republic of Somaliland

The Somaliland Declaration of Independence is a very important document. It was signed on May 18, 1991. This declaration was made by traditional leaders, called sultans, from different Somali clans. These clans included the Isaaq, Dhulbahante, Issa, Gadabursi, and Warsangali. The Somali National Movement (SNM), a group that fought for change, also supported it. This declaration announced that Somaliland was becoming an independent country again.

How Somaliland Became Independent

Freedom from British Rule

Agreements between the United Kingdom and Somaliland about becoming independent.

Leaders from Somaliland meeting in London in May 1960. They decided that June 26 would be Independence Day.

On June 26, 1960, the area known as the British Somaliland Protectorate became independent. It was called the State of Somaliland. Just five days later, another area, the Trust Territory of Somaliland, also became free.

The leaders of the new State of Somaliland quickly decided to join with the Trust Territory of Somaliland. This union happened on July 1, 1960. They wanted to form one larger country.

Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal was a key leader at this time. He became the Prime Minister of the State of Somaliland. His job was to help prepare for the union with the former Italian Somaliland.

Many countries around the world recognized the State of Somaliland as independent. About 35 countries, including China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, and the United States, sent their good wishes. The United Kingdom also signed special agreements with Somaliland.

Here is a message from Christian Herter, the US Secretary of State:

June 26, 1960
To the Council of Ministers of Somaliland, Hargeisa.
I send my best wishes and congratulations on your independence. This is a big moment in your history. I am happy to send my warmest regards on this special day.
Christian A. Herter
Secretary of State, United States of America.

And here is a letter from Elizabeth II, the Queen of the United Kingdom:

"I, my Government and my people in the United Kingdom, wish you well on this day of independence. Our connection goes back about 130 years. Britain managed the Protectorate for 60 years. I hope for a continued and strong friendship between our two countries."

Joining Somalia and Later Problems

On July 1, 1960, the State of Somaliland officially joined with the Trust Territory of Somaliland. Together, they formed the Somali Republic, which is now known as Somalia.

A new government was set up. Aden Abdullah Osman Daar became the first President. In 1961, the people of Somalia voted on a new constitution. However, many people in the former Somaliland area felt this constitution was unfair. More than 60% of voters in the north voted against it.

Because of this, many people in the north were unhappy. In December 1961, some officers who had been trained by the British tried to start a rebellion. They wanted to end the union. But their uprising failed. For many years after, the northern part of the country, Somaliland, felt ignored by the government in the south.

Somaliland's Peace Journey

Garaad Abdiqani of the Dhulbahante clan, who suggested Somaliland should become independent again.

After the SNM took control of Somaliland, they wanted to stop fighting. They worked to make peace with all the different communities. A peace meeting was held in Berbera in February 1991. Leaders of the SNM talked with representatives from the Issa, Gadabursi, Dhulbahante, and Warsangeli clans. This was important because some of these groups had supported the old government.

This meeting led to a bigger event called the "Grand Conference of the Somaliland Clans." It took place in Burao from April 27 to May 18, 1991. The goal was to bring lasting peace to Somaliland. After many discussions, the clan leaders and the SNM agreed. They decided that Northern Somalia (the former State of Somaliland) should leave its union with the rest of Somalia. They would form the "Republic of Somaliland" again.

Some people in Somaliland had wanted to be separate since 1961. But the SNM didn't have a clear plan for this at first. However, after the terrible events under the old government, many SNM members felt strongly about independence. They wanted to reclaim the independence of the State of Somaliland. Garaad Cabdiqani Garaad Jama, a leader of the Dhulbahante clan, was the first to suggest becoming independent again.

Signing the Declaration

The Somaliland Declaration of Independence was signed on May 5, 1991, during the Burao conference. Then, at a second national meeting on May 18, the SNM Central Committee and many clan elders officially declared it. They announced that the Republic of Somaliland was restored. They also formed a new government for the independent country.

The house in Burao where Somaliland's independence was declared on May 18, 1991.

What the Declaration Said

The declaration had several key points:

• The North should stand on its own and not follow the South.
• Islamic law should be followed.
• Safety and security in the North must be ensured.
• A Northern government should be set up quickly.
• Government positions should be shared fairly among all Northern communities.
• The security issues in the Sanaag region should be handled separately by a special committee.

Who Signed the Declaration

Seventeen Somali Sultans from different regions signed the Declaration of Independence. These regions included Sool, Sanaag, Awdal, Woqooyi Galbeed, and Togdheer.

After the Declaration

The chairman of the Guurti announces the election results. Mohamed Ibrahim Egal is elected president.

In May 1991, the SNM announced that "Somaliland" was independent again. They formed a temporary government. Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur was chosen to lead for two years. Many former SNM members helped create this new government and its rules. The official announcement of independence from Somalia was made by June 8, 1991.

In May 1993, a big meeting called the Borama Conference took place. Its purpose was to choose a new president and vice president. About 150 elders from different communities attended. This conference helped the Somaliland government gain support from more than just the Isaaq clan. This was important because Borama is mainly home to the Gadabursi people.

At this conference, the leaders decided to have a president and a two-part parliament. Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal was elected as Somaliland's second president. He was re-elected for a second time in 1997.

Somaliland's Constitution Vote

Presidential order approving the Somaliland constitution by Muhammad Haji Ibrahim Egal.

On May 31, 2001, people in Somaliland voted on a new constitution. This constitution confirmed that Somaliland was independent from Somalia. However, the government of Somalia did not agree with this vote. Because of this, other countries have not officially recognized Somaliland as an independent nation.

Somaliland's Borders

British Somaliland Borders.

The borders that Somaliland declared are the same ones Britain set up in 1884 for British Somaliland. Even though another region in Somalia claims parts of eastern Somaliland, Somaliland controls most of the areas in Sool and Sanaag.

First Government Leaders (1991)

National emblem of Somaliland

The first government of Somaliland was led by Abdirahman Ahmed Ali Tuur as President of Somaliland. Hassan Isse Jama was the Vice-President of Somaliland. The SNM Central Committee approved the first group of ministers.

See also

• Somali Civil War
• List of international declarations