In 2005 the African Union sent a fact-finding mission to investigate the situation in Somaliland. Below is its report in full, but this is the key recommendation.
The Union [with Somalia] established in 1960 brought enormous injustice and suffering to the people of the region. The fact that the “union between Somaliland and Somalia was never ratified” and also malfunctioned when it went into went into action from 1960 to 1990, makes Somaliland’s search for recognition historically unique and self-justified in African political history. Objectively viewed, the case should not be linked to the notion of “opening a Pandora’s box”. As such, the AU should find a special method of dealing with this outstanding case.
I am grateful for to Rashid Abdi for highlighting this mission.
Martin
Martin Plaut 