From Somaliland and Eritrea to South Sudan: The Challenges of Building a Viable Nationhood and a Stable Region

Abstract

Northeast Africa comprising traditional political entities of Ethiopia, Sudan and Somalia has witnessed the emergence of declared new states in Eritrea, South Sudan and Somaliland. This trend believed to be a positive development by supporters of the evolving new nations is decried as a tragedy by opponents. Debates on the necessity or viability of new states have been carried out among competing theories, activists and political leaders. Conflicting explanations or justifications cite historical rationales, political canons, international laws or human rights principles to advance their positions. For scholars and observers seeking to give primacy to the paramount welfare of the people rather than the rhetoric of ideological doctrines, the most important factors that need to be weighed over the other secondary arguments are the issues of endless cycles of violence, death, destruction and massive population displacement. Wars that led to the breakdown of the states in Sudan, Ethiopia and Somalia recorded immeasurable statistics of extermination, suffering and mayhem. In the Sudan, for example, over two million people were killed and four million displaced as a result of the long war of attrition... The roundtable seeks to hold a valuable scholarly discourse on the roots, dynamics and possible trajectories of these developments. A comparative methodology is significant in offering insights into the problems and future courses of action that might assist in preventing a slide into future chaos. The importance of viewing the shared potential of dialogue, reflection and positive association is underscored by the vitality of carrying out useful discussion in scholarly forums.