Somaliland and Puntland unite against a unique common problem
A woman waves a Somaliland flag during Independence Day celebrations in Hargeisa on May 18, 2016 (left), and a Puntland supporter with a Puntland flag celebrates Abdiwelli Mohamed’s presidential victory in Nairobi on January 12, 2014.
The idea of a cordial relationship between Somaliland and Puntland—two neighbouring regional administrations in northern Somalia was always unlikely—until an unexpected agreement was signed in Nairobi, Kenya, on October 5.
Since then, Somali commentators have appeared shocked with that joint security and cooperation accord. The deal pledged collaboration against al-Shabaab, support for reconciliation efforts in Erigavo (the capital of the disputed Sanaag region), and measures to facilitate cross-border trade.
