Self‐determination and a shattered star: Statehood and national identity in the Somali Horn of Africa

Abstract

This article explores the articulation—in different forms, at different periods, and by different actors—of ‘national self‐determination’ in Somalia and across the Somali‐speaking regions of the Horn of Africa. It explores how this concept can be understood in the context of protracted political fragmentation in Somalia—considering unresolved debates over the ideological foundations of state reconstruction, disagreements about the suitability of federalism, aspirations for the recognition of an independent Republic of Somaliland, and the distinctive trajectory of the Somali Regional State in Ethiopia. Taking a comparative, cross‐border and wide‐angled historical approach, the article argues that ideas of an ethno‐linguistically, culturally and religiously defined Somali ‘nation’ continue to coexist (and be reproduced, updated and used) within an environment of extreme political fragmentation and across multiple ‘state’ boundaries. This argument is made through comparative analysis of contemporary examples of the performance of Somali state and nationalist identities within and beyond the region and the distinctive transnational Somali‐language media environment within which these ideas circulate and compete.

Ethnic Identity and National Unity in Ethiopia: Challenges and Opportunities for Building National Consensus

“…To accommodate Ethiopia's multiple identities, ethnic federalism was adopted after 1991 [22]. Ethnic federalism was adopted during the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) era [16]. Nevertheless, this strategy has resulted in a challenging balance between diversity and unity, necessitating the resolution of ethno-cultural disputes [24].…”

The crisis of the postcolonial nation‐state and the emergence of alternative forms of statehood in the Horn of Africa

“…Subsequently southern Somalia has made little progress with regards to state reconstruction or national political reconciliation. Instead, multiple peace conferences aimed at forming a stable government in Mogadishu have been held without much success (Chonka & Healy, 2020). Yet, Somalia has seen the proliferation of numerous indigenous political and economic institutions that have sought to fill the governance deficit.…”

“…Another example that demonstrates the adoption of pragmatic and alternative forms of statehood is the emergence and relative success of Somaliland in the north west. ‘Somaliland's independence… is both highly consolidated as an ideological and governance project whilst also being deeply controversial in the regional and global arena of Somali politics’ (Chonka & Healy, 2020, p. 70). A former British Protectorate, in 1991 Somaliland reverted to its colonial borders and claimed distinct territorial sovereignty from the rest of Somalia.…”