Over the past ten years, the degree of peace and stability obtained in Somaliland and the presence of viable government counterparts has allowed a large number of UN agencies, international NGOs and local partners to work in a coordinated manner on both humanitarian and recovery development programmes, as the area moves closer to political, economic and social recovery and reconstruction.

Somaliland has an estimated population of 2-3 million and broke away from Somalia in 1991 declaring ‘independence’. It has not been recognized to date by the international community. Somaliland did not participate in the recent peace process (2003/4) initiated in neighboring Kenya and has continued to reiterate its sovereignty. Meanwhile, a promising democratic system has been put in place as ongoing political development and economic recovery materialize. Legislative elections were held on 29 September 2005 (following council elections in 2002 and presidential elections in 2003) which according to international observers, were carried out in a peaceful, free and fair manner. Of the 1.2 million refugees that fled Somalia’s conflict in 1991, 700,000 have returned back to Somaliland, attracted by the dynamic urban areas and relative stability of the region.

Livestock export forms the backbone of the Somaliland economy but this sector has been exposed to several shocks in recent years, including the livestock ban of 2000 (by Gulf States due to outbreak of Rift Valley Fever) and the lack of national capacity to establish necessary regulations and infrastructure to facilitate certification of animals for export. Also, some areas have experienced several years of drought which severely impacted on the Somaliland pastoral livelihood (60-65% of the population rely on livestock for their livelihood) causing enormous hardship as livestock losses amounted to 60-80% of herds; destitution (creating rural – urban migration); and severe environmental degradation. UN agencies, international and local NGOs responded to the situation, particularly in the most affected areas of Togdheer, Sanaag and Sool. The 2006 Gu rains (April-June) had mixed outcomes throughout Somalia/Somaliland. In Togdhere, Sool, and Sanaag recovery continues and the number of people in livelihood recovery has significantly reduced thanks to increased herd sizes, reduced debt levels and generally improved access to rangeland and water.

The disputed areas of Sool and Sanaag between Puntland and Somaliland remain generally calm with few incidences of insecurity. Somaliland forces remain in the same position near Las-Anod town since 2004. In an effort to enhance security and safety of humanitarian workers, the UN in collaboration with the local authorities established a Special Protection Unit (SPU) in October 2003 to provide protection for humanitarian workers of the UN and International NGOs.

Presently, the most pressing humanitarian concerns in Somaliland focus on the continued disruption to livelihoods following several years of drought; issues relating to IDPs, returnees and urban destitute; concern over increased risk of extremist activities reducing humanitarian access; inadequate protection particularly for IDPs and other vulnerable groups and continued low human development indicators (especially in education and health).

Date: 06 Dec 2006

Source: United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA)

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