Mohamed Fadal discusses the state and institution building process in Somaliland, with a focus on the role of the diaspora and civil society in the years following Somaliland’s declaration of independence. He details the civil conflict in Somaliland in the early 1990s and explains the conflict-resolution process that followed. Fadal also discusses the role of clans in Somali politics, and the House of Elders as an institution in Somaliland’s government. Finally he touches on the constitution-drafting process and the challenges facing Somaliland for continued stability.
Case Studies: Nurturing Democracy in the Horn of Africa: Somaliland's First Elections, 2002-2005 and Navigating a Broken Transition to Civilian Rule: Somaliland: 1991-2001
At the time of this interview, Mohamed Fadal was lead researcher at the Academy for Peace and Development in Somaliland. He was also the director of the Social Research and Development Institute in Somaliland and coordinator of the Independent Scholars Group. Fadal formerly served as minister of planning.