Now is the right moment: Somaliland's claim for statehood

In 2011, Somaliland celebrated the twentieth anniversary of its unilateral declaration of independence from Somalia. Though often considered to be the only part of Somalia to be peaceful and have a fully functioning government, the secessionist North-Western region of Somalia has failed to gain full international state recognition. This paper will focus on a number of legal arguments, based both on historical and current events, that will demonstrate that the moment has now arrived for Somaliland to acquire statehood. Specific events relating to Somalia‘s post-colonial creation as a state will substantiate the argument that Somaliland cannot just be considered an ordinary secessionist state. In addition, the recent independence of South Sudan, Kosovo‘s unilateral claim for statehood, as well as the 'Arab spring‘ will provide evidence that the people‘s right to self-determination has become prevalent under current international law.