Seceding from Failed States:Reconsidering the Case of Somaliland

This chapter studies Somaliland’s attempted secession from its parent state while considering the impact of Somalia’s status as a failed state on this issue. It begins with a synopsis of Somalia’s colonial history and the civil war following decolonisation, before briefly considering Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence and the contemporary state of affairs. Thereafter it explores the principle of effectiveness and the complications occasioned by failed states before moving onto the topic of self-determination and a potential right to secessio