The previously discussed efforts by Somaliland to upgrade their criminal infrastructure to combat piracy by Somalis [1] is bearing fruit.  Thanks to aid from Norway, the first anti-piracy prison has been completed in Somaliland, very quick work, as has been reported by Somaliland247 [2]. Norway itself, a nation with a large merchant marine, is very deeply interested in the preservation of safe shipping channels around the world, and the scourge of Somali piracy directly threatens its interests.

Since Somaliland is an area of stability with the rule of law within the Horn of Africa, nations like Norway have been seeking to provide Somaliland with the aid long denied in order to help them in their efforts at reforming their criminal justice system to bring it to the standards of the developed world (if possible).  That Norway is willing and able to provide such assistance demonstrates both the sincerity of Somaliland in meeting the standards of jurisprudence and criminal justice of the international community and the willingness of nations around the world to recognize at least the de facto independence of Somaliland and work with its government to improve life in Somaliland.

The functioning multi-party democracy that Somaliland has created, which has allowed for peaceful change of regime, has not gone unnoticed and is beginning to bear fruit with the international community.  In a region where corrupt regimes tend to assume dictatorship for life, whether through dynastic or military rule, Somaliland’s democracy can serve as an example to other nations in the area looking for examples on how to build functioning Muslim democracies.  Of course, this higher profile and model that Somaliland presents also brings the needs and concerns of Somaliland before the international community and allows Somaliland to participate in the international efforts to stop piracy in Somaliland, based out of Puntland and neighboring areas.

The desired result is greater freedom of the seas, an increased focus on the rule of law in the Horn of Africa, the greater development of criminal justice and democracy in the region, and a higher profile role of Somaliland that may (hopefully) include recognition of its long-achieved independence.  The results are to the benefit of trading nations like Norway and the people of Somaliland, which makes this achievement a potentially important one in helping to provide Somaliland with its long-sought voice in international affairs.

With the first prison finished in Hargesia, there will undoubtedly be many more as there are many more pirates to stop, but with Somaliland taking the lead in helping anti-piracy efforts in its backyard, the resulting trade and international aid can greatly benefit Somaliland’s efforts to develop and to achieve its deserved recognition from the world at large, and even serve as a model for its neighbors in North Africa and the Middle East.  Such an opportunity does not often come, and it is pleasing to see Somaliland taking advantage of it so rapidly.

[1] https://edgeinducedcohesion.wordpress.com/2011/01/25/somaliland-update-student-ambassadors-and-pirate-prisons/

[2] http://somaliland247.wordpress.com/2011/02/19/pirate-prison-built-with-norwegian-money-opens-in-somaliland/