The Economist recognises Somaliland as a ‘flawed democracy’

Somaliland is democratic, has a free press and is unrecognised by the rest of the world. It is time this ‘country’ was given support that would rid us of the turbulent Somali piracy problem… and much, much more.

This map of the continent from The Economist and its Intelligence Unit is one of the first times Somaliland has appeared on a map. About time too… fantastic people, fantastic place.

The Economist recognises Somaliland as a 'flawed democracy'

Somaliland is democratic, has a free press and is unrecognised by the rest of the world. It is time this ‘country’ was given support that would rid us of the turbulent Somali piracy problem… and much, much more.

This map of the continent from The Economist and its Intelligence Unit is one of the first times Somaliland has appeared on a map. About time too… fantastic people, fantastic place.

Monty’s Somaliland Outlook – Issue Two – Berbera or bust

I left the capital Hargesia with three American Christians and a hired soldier who had a rifle, but one that didn’t seem to have any ammunition… I liked to think of him as my personal Colonel Blimp.

But it’s all about appearance and we were waved through checkpoints as we headed north to Las Geel, an allegedly unique archaeological site that was only discovered seven years ago and had hundreds of neolithic rock art paintings in perfect condition.

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Monty’s Somaliland Outlook – Issue One – Child-soldiers on qat

When encountering the unknown it is sometimes best to possess as many mind-altering substances as possible and crossing into the unrecognised, and alcohol-free, ‘country’ of Somaliland seemed as good a time as any.

Unlike the Ancient Greeks who used papaver somniferum or magic mushrooms as protection in battles, I decided to chew as much qat (locally known as ‘chat’) to fortify myself against any checkpoint charlies or child-soldiers with guns.

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