Title: The Anomaly Of Sovereignty: A Systematic Review Of Intergovernmental Relations With Somaliland
Authors: Mustafe Mahamoud Abdillahi, PhD
Volume: 9
Issue: 10
Pages: 658-670
Publication Date: 2025/10/28
Abstract:
This systematic review analyzed the complex landscape of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) with Somaliland, a de facto state that has maintained stability and democratic governance since 1991 despite lacking international recognition. The study employed a rigorous methodology, conducting systematic searches across academic databases and policy repositories, followed by thematic analysis of literature published between 2015-2024. The findings revealed a fundamental paradox: while the international community formally upheld the de jure principle of a unified Somalia, it simultaneously engaged in extensive de facto relations with Somaliland across multiple dimensions. Key themes that emerged included the primacy of the recognition question, with the African Union serving as the primary gatekeeper; the prevalence of "strategic ambiguity" among international actors like Ethiopia, the UAE, and Western powers; functional IGR through development aid and commercial partnerships; and Somaliland's strategic value in regional security architectures. The review concluded that this "sovereignty anomaly" was managed through a sophisticated system of "managed dissonance," positioning Somaliland as a hybrid international actor that exercises many state prerogatives without legal recognition. The study identified significant gaps in comparative analyses and fieldwork-based research, suggesting that Somaliland's case offered valuable insights into the evolving nature of sovereignty and global governance in the 21st century.