Somalia’s breakaway province of Somaliland is commemorating the anniversary of its unilateral declaration of independence on May 18, 1991 — even though its claims of sovereignty have remained unrecognized by the international community.
Amid the preparations, Somaliland’s authorities have been preparing to conclude a controversial deal with neighboring Ethiopia.
Once signed, the agreement would cement Ethiopia’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state — despite strong objections from Somalia’s government.
In return for landlocked Ethiopia’s official recognition, Somaliland will lease out 20 kilometers (12 miles) of sea access for 50 years while also allowing Ethiopia to build a military base on its coast.