Somaliland: a fragile corner of peace

Somalia was torn apart by two decades of internecine violence, but in Somaliland, clan elders set about assembling their own nation state with an elected government at the capital in Hargeisa, a judiciary, an independent central bank with a national currency, and relative security.

An roadside independence monument in Hargeisa shows a fist holding up the map of Somaliland. The lack of international recognition has lead to robust yet lopsided growth. Photo: Aman Sethi

Dahabshiil is the largest money transfer agency in Africa. A recent study estimates Somalia receives at least $ 1.2 billion a year from its diaspora. Photo: Aman Sethi

A recent study estimates Somalia receives at least $ 1.2 billion a year from its diaspora. More than half somaliland's urban population and a quarter of rural residents rely on remmitances for basic needs. Photo: Aman Sethi

The Shilling is the official currency of Somaliland, but is not recognized by any other country. Most residents keep their money in dollars, and buy shillings from the street. Photo: Aman Sethi

Published - July 21, 2013 10:34 pm IST