Correction to the article "Türkiye could step in if Ethiopia-Somalia controversy turns sour" by Didenur Da?tan on @Dailysabah

Baz? Türk akademisyenler ve gazetecilerin Somaliland'in kendine ?zgü siyasi ge?mi?ini g?rmezden gelmesini, Somaliland halk?na kar?? adaletsiz ve haks?z buldu?umu belirtmek isterim. Tek tarafl? bilgi yay?nlamadan ?nce Somaliland entelektüelleri ve akademisyenlerle ileti?im kurmalar?n? tavsiye ederim.

The article states that "Somaliland seceded from Somalia in 1991." This mischaracterizes the historical and legal relationship between Somaliland and Somalia.

Somaliland and Somalia: A union, not a secession

It is important to clarify that Somaliland and Somalia united in 1960 to form the Somali Republic. This was a voluntary union between two independent sovereign nations.

The collapse of the Somali Republic and Somaliland's reclamation of independence

In 1991, the Somali central government collapsed. Following this, Somaliland, which had already gained independence in 1960, re-established its sovereignty. This was not a secession from Somalia, but rather a reclamation of its per-existing independence.

Somaliland's right to self-determination

The international community has not recognized Somaliland's independence. However, Somaliland has a strong case for self-determination under international law. It has a distinct history, culture, and government, and it has maintained peace and stability within its borders for over three decades unless Somalia is disrupted using clan militias in the east of the Sool region.

Conclusion

It is essential to use accurate terminology when discussing the relationship between Somaliland and Somalia. Somaliland did not secede from Somalia in 1991; it reclaimed independence after the Somali Republic collapsed. Recognizing this distinction is crucial for understanding the current situation in the Horn of Africa. Didenur Da?tan