The Challenges of Human Security in the Horn of Africa: The Case of Somaliland.

Abstract

Purpose: In the Horn of Africa the main challenges to human security in this region have originated from political and state fragility, resource scarcities, and environmental degradation. Human security is arrayed against escalating communal violence, small arms proliferation, and massive movements of people within and beyond the region. Since 1991 the people of Somaliland have successfully established a peaceful and relatively stable state and community. They have managed a process of reconciliation, demobilized the local militias, restored law and order, and held numerous rounds of peaceful elections. Peace, stability, national and state security were enhanced which allowed normal patterns of trade and other economic activities to resume. Therefore the main objective of this study is to analyze the contemporary situation of human security in Somaliland and to figure out the key challenges of human security that faced Somaliland since post 1991and its performance in subject matter. 
 Methodology: The study is exploratory as well as descriptive research designs. Where qualitative data were collected and used. For selection of respondents, non- probabilistic sampling techniques, particularly purposive sampling technique were applied.
 Findings: The study found that Somaliland had made relatively advancement for political, economic, health, personal and community securities post 1991. In addition, the study found that the environmental security challenges in Somaliland are many and complex in nature and Somaliland has chronically food insecure since 1991 due to lack of commitment of the government for realizing food security in the country, frequent natural and man-made disasters that erodes the livelihood base of the community. Also the study found that, Lack of international recognition, Terrorism activities in Somalia are major external challenges of human security in Somaliland. While a high unemployment rate, corruption, weak of governmental institutions and recurrent droughts are the dramatic internal challenges of the realization of human security in the country.
 Unique Contribution to Theory, Policy and Practice: Moreover, the study recommends that the government of Somaliland is required to engage human security notions by employing effective strategies and policy directions, to realize wellbeing of the Somaliland society which would promote both human security and state security since these two concepts are interrelated. Also the study recommends to Somaliland government should Review, evaluate and develop agricultural policies, health policies, environmental policies, economic policies and the legislative and institutional framework on a regular basis for the purpose of promoting and ensuring human security in the country.