Meanwhile, civil society, so devastated in the rest of the Somali lands, has made tremendous strides in Somaliland, carving out a space for private civic and charitable engagement. To cite just one example, the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa, founded in 2002 by Edna Adan Ismail, the former foreign minister of Somaliland (2003-2006) who donated her pension from the World Health Organization as well as other personal assets to it, provides a higher standard of care than available anywhere else in the Somali lands for maternity and infant conditions as well as diagnosis and treatment for HIV/AIDS and sexually-transmitted diseases and general medical treatments. In addition, the hospital serves as a teaching hospital, training an entire generation of nurses and midwives qualified to provide reproductive healthcare throughout the country and serving as a medical research center, with a special attention paid to the health problems associated with female genital mutilation.

On the specific question of recognition of Somaliland independence, Dr. Pham quotes from a report by the African Union.

The official report of an AU fact-finding mission to the republic in 2005 led by AU Deputy Chairperson Patrick Mazimhaka concluded: “The fact that the union between Somaliland and Somalia was never ratified and also malfunctioned when it went into action from 1960 to 1990, makes Somaliland’s search for recognition historically unique and self-justified in African political history. Objectively viewed, the case should not be linked to the notion of ‘opening a Pandora’s Box’. As such, the AU should find a special method of dealing with this outstanding case.”

Full article: Somaliland: What Somalia Could Be

For most of the last decade, Somaliland’s governance and human rights record have drawn praise, particularly compared with those of its neighbors. Somaliland boasts free speech and private newspapers. Its population voluntarily disarmed, reconciled and made the transition to an elected, civilian government.

By contrast, Somalia continues to struggle with no fully functioning government. Ethiopia has been accused of heavy-handed crackdowns against its citizens. Eritrea has no elections or free press.

Read the complete article: Somaliland strives to stand out in troubled region

Despite the grave problems that the whole region is facing, such as piracy, terrorist violence and drought, Edna Adan has been able to build a private hospital that focuses on mother and child care in the self-declared independent republic of Somaliland.

…To see Edna Adan at work in the hospital is quite enjoyable. Her energy and good spirits are a joy for everybody. She walks through the corridors of the hospital full of energy and has time for a casual, or business, talk with everybody she meets. It so clear that this woman has a vision and a mission that she will pursue.

The people of the African republic of Somaliland voted in 1991 to become an independent nation. They argue that there are enough cultural, political and social differences between them and the people of Somalia to make Somaliland a separate country, as was the case briefly in 1960. But the world has not yet formally recognized an independent Somaliland, a cause dear to the hearts of its people. Cathy Majtenyi files this report for VOA on the push for international recognition.

Somalilanders stress that their country is peaceful and orderly — a fully functional state in sharp contrast to the chaotic warlord system and weak central government of Somalia.

The British had a strong presence in Somaliland by the late 1800s, with Somaliland becoming a British protectorate, separate from Italian-ruled lands to the south.

Berbera port also served the US navy in the 1980s during the first Gulf war.

Reported by Jennie Goutet, HOPE worldwide

The first regional consultative seminar on Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was held for the countries of the Horn of Africa February 19-21, 2002. Seminar attendees gathered from Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somaliland and Somalia (Bosaso, Mogadishu) to discuss ways to end this barbaric ritual.

FGM dates back to ancient Egypt when young girls would be circumcised to ensure that those sent to the Pharaoh would always be a virgin. The practice continues today in the form of circumcision or mutilation all throughout Africa and parts of the Middle East. The mutilation is usually done in rural areas, without anaesthesia, and with a dull and dirty razor blade, knife or bone that kills many of the girls due to complications.

Among the speakers at the Seminar were representatives of the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religion. They discussed the health concerns that FGM poses in the young girl as well as during her childbearing years. The Qur’aan was read and an expert in religion proved that the Qur’aan does not support bodily mutilation, and that the practice is therefore contrary to the predominant religion in the very countries where it is practiced.

Efforts were focused primarily on collaboration between these countries in the efforts to eradicate Female Genital Mutilation by sending out a common message and developing strategies and educational material in Somali, which is spoken in all of these countries. It was jointly agreed upon that February 21 would annually be recognized as FGM Day and that the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital would be the center of cooperation and communication for the Horn of Africa on FGM-related issues.