Somaliland Proves Democracy Works in Africa: Why Aren’t We Listening?
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: While many African countries face democratic setbacks, authoritarianism, and electoral violence, Somaliland offers a compelling alternative. Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991 without international recognition, Somaliland has held multiple peaceful and credible elections, sustained internal stability, and built a participatory political system with minimal foreign aid. This paper explores its hybrid democratic model, which blends traditional clan-based governance with modern multiparty politics. The integration of customary institutions has fostered local legitimacy, effective conflict resolution, and political consensus, allowing Somaliland to avoid the turmoil seen in neighboring states. Despite these achievements, Somaliland remains largely overlooked in global discourse. The paper argues this neglect is due to entrenched geopolitical interests, rigid interpretations of state sovereignty, and limited international interest. By examining Somaliland’s institutional innovations and community-driven democratic practices, this study calls on African states, scholars, and policymakers to recognize and learn from this underappreciated model of democratic governance.
Author: Belayneh Worku Yeshaneh
Institution: Debark University
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W7134287903
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