The people of the African republic of Somaliland voted in 1991 to become an independent nation. They argue that there are enough cultural, political and social differences between them and the people of Somalia to make Somaliland a separate country, as was the case briefly in 1960. But the world has not yet formally recognized an independent Somaliland, a cause dear to the hearts of its people. Cathy Majtenyi files this report for VOA on the push for international recognition.Somalilanders stress that their country is peaceful and orderly -- a fully functional state in sharp contrast to the chaotic warlord system and weak central government of Somalia.The British had a strong presence in Somaliland by the late 1800s, with Somaliland becoming a British protectorate, separate from Italian-ruled lands to the south.Berbera port also served the US navy in the 1980s during the first Gulf war. [More] [Less]
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