Explainer: Somalia and Somaliland differences South Sudanese should know

Writer: Ghai Aketch

More often than not, most people overly confuse Somalia and Somaliland, thinking that it refers to the same country. However, the differences are very distinct as explained for you below by 211 Check.

Somalia is an independent state, which acquired self-rule in 1960 from Britain and Italy who had established British Somaliland and Italian Somaliland which later merged and gained independence in 1960 as Federal Republic of Somalia.

However, in 1991 Somaliland declared itself autonomous from Somalia after a rebel group, Somali National Movement (SNM) led a rebellion: toppling the ruling government that year. Somaliland became self-governing with its capital city in Hargeisa, and up to date holds democratic elections. 

Regardless of its proclaimed independence, Somaliland is not recognised as a sovereign  state. Some  analysts, however, assert that the African Union is reluctant to declare Somaliland an independent state fearing that other secessionists might seek to split from already independent states which can subsequently undermine the continent’s stability.

Although Somaliland is not a recognised state, it goes for democratic elections and has a complete structure of government. Its currency is Somaliland Shilling (Sl.Sh) whereas Somalia’s currency is Somali shilling (SOS). Also, both regions are located in the horn of Africa, bordering the Indian Ocean.

But due to different economic  levels 1 USD in Somalia is equivalent to about 570 SOS, Somali shilling and also the same  US dollar is about 10,000 Somaliland shilling. In Somaliland, due to currency devaluation, people carry bundles of money in bags or wheelbarrows to buy basic items.That compelled the government to introduce cashless transactions through mobile money payments. 

A week ago, a post published by tabloids  went viral  stating that 1 US dollar in Somalia  is equivalent to 9,000 Somaliland shilling. The post unintentionally confused Somalia with Somaliland:

“In Somalia, $1 is equivalent to 9,000 Somaliland shillings – the currency is so devalued that people roam the markets with piles of money in wheelbarrows.” The post reads partly.

Screenshot of a Facebook post by Juba TV

Some people  assume it’s Somalia that is referred to as Somaliland to mean land of Somali. But they’re different as explained above.