Comment on Somalia-Somaliland Dialogue

Yusuf M. Hasan of the Somaliland Sun asked me to comment on a series of questions dealing with the ongoing dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland.  The Somaliland Sun published the interview on 5 May 2013 under the heading "Somaliland: 'The Ankara Communique Is a Commitment for Continued Dialogue' Amb. Shinn." 

Somalia-Somaliland Negotiations

The Mogadishu-based The Heritage Institute for Policy Studies (HIPS) just published a policy briefing titled "The Somalia-Somaliland Negotiations."  It argues that Somaliland's grievances based on historical injustices must be recognized and addressed.  Constitutional guarantees must be developed to ensure that past mistakes are not made again.  But the policy brief adds that Somaliland must realize that its quest to leave the union is growing increasingly untenable.