Flag of Somaliland

The national flag of Somaliland is a powerful and unique emblem that embodies the aspirations and distinctive identity of a self-declared, yet internationally unrecognized, state in the Horn of Africa. Unlike the well-known flags of fully sovereign nations, Somaliland's banner tells a story of perseverance, democratic ideals, and a complex journey towards self-determination. It is a symbol deeply cherished by its inhabitants, representing their hard-won peace and commitment to a unique path.

Design and Dimensions

The flag of Somaliland is a horizontal tricolour, comprising three equally sized stripes of green on the top, white in the middle, and red on the bottom.

A prominent feature on the green stripe is the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) written in white Arabic script: "لا إله إلا الله محمد رسول الله" (Lā ʾilāha ʾillā-llāh, Muḥammadur rasūlu-llāh), which translates to "There is no god but God, Muhammad is the messenger of God." This inscription points towards the hoist (left) side.

On the white stripe, centrally positioned, is a black five-pointed star.

The official ratio of the flag's width to its length is 1:2. This ensures a balanced visual presentation of its symbolic elements.

Symbolism of the Colors and Elements

Each color and element on the Somaliland flag carries significant meaning, reflecting the nation's values, history, and aspirations:

• Green (Top Stripe): The green band symbolizes prosperity, peace, and the land's fertility. It also represents Islam, the predominant religion in Somaliland, echoing the verdant landscapes associated with blessings and growth. Its position at the top suggests the primacy of these values.

• White (Middle Stripe): The white stripe signifies peace, purity, and the pursuit of justice. It reflects Somaliland's commitment to peaceful coexistence, both internally and with its neighbours, a remarkable achievement given the volatile regional context. The Shahada is placed on this stripe in some older interpretations, although it is now consistently on the green.

• Red (Bottom Stripe): The red band represents the blood shed in the struggle for independence and freedom. It honors the sacrifices made by the people of Somaliland to achieve their self-governance and detach from the turbulent history of Somalia. It is a powerful reminder of their resilience.

• Shahada (on the Green Stripe): The Shahada is the fundamental creed of Islam. Its inclusion on the flag affirms Somaliland's Islamic identity and its commitment to Islamic values. The fact that it is placed on the green (Islamic) stripe further emphasizes this religious devotion. As a sacred text, its presence demands respect for the flag, and it is usually not allowed to be flown at half-mast.

• Black Five-Pointed Star (on the White Stripe): The black five-pointed star holds a complex and somewhat somber symbolism. It represents the lost dream of a Greater Somalia, a pan-Somali state that would unite all ethnically Somali territories in the Horn of Africa (Djibouti, Ethiopia's Somali Region, northern Kenya, and the former British and Italian Somalilands). The black color signifies the abandonment or "death" of this aspiration after the collapse of Somalia and Somaliland's decision to pursue its own independent path. It serves as a historical marker of a broken union and a new direction.

History of Creation and Adoption

The flag of Somaliland is a relatively recent creation, designed to reflect its unique post-independence trajectory.

• Colonial Background: Somaliland was formerly British Somaliland, gaining independence on June 26, 1960. Just five days later, on July 1, 1960, it voluntarily united with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic (modern-day Somalia), aspiring to create the Greater Somalia. During this brief period of independence, British Somaliland used a blue flag with a white disc and a black five-pointed star.

• Failed Union and Re-declaration of Independence: The union with Italian Somaliland proved to be contentious and ultimately failed to deliver the promised prosperity and stability for the northern regions. Following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu in 1991 and the ensuing civil war in Somalia, the elders and leaders of the northern clans (former British Somaliland) decided to re-declare independence on May 18, 1991. This act marked the re-establishment of the Republic of Somaliland.

• Creation of the Current Flag: The current flag was officially adopted on October 14, 1996, following a national conference and subsequent constitutional approval. It was designed to visually represent the new reality and the distinct identity of Somaliland, moving away from the symbols associated with the failed Somali union. The design was the result of a deliberate process to forge a national symbol that truly resonated with the experiences and aspirations of the Somaliland people.

• Constitutional Basis: The flag's design and symbolism are enshrined in Article 7 of the Constitution of Somaliland, which specifies the colors, the Shahada, and the star, reinforcing its legal and national significance.

Significance for the Inhabitants

For the people of Somaliland, the flag is a potent symbol of their self-determination, their unique journey, and their commitment to peace and stability in a turbulent region:

• Symbol of Self-Determination: It represents their hard-won autonomy and de facto independence, a reality they have forged through internal peace-building and democratic processes, despite lack of international recognition.

• Pillar of Peace and Stability: The flag embodies the remarkable peace and stability that Somaliland has achieved, standing in stark contrast to the ongoing conflicts in neighbouring Somalia. This peace is a source of immense pride and is reflected in the white stripe.

• Islamic Identity: The Shahada prominently displayed on the flag reinforces the nation's strong Islamic identity and the role of faith in their society and governance.

• Rejection of Failed Union: The black star signifies a clear break from the failed union with Somalia and the abandonment of the "Greater Somalia" dream, signaling a commitment to their own path. It is a symbol of lessons learned from a painful past.

• Democratic Aspirations: Somaliland has built functioning democratic institutions, holding regular elections. The flag, therefore, also represents their commitment to democratic governance and the rule of law.

• Source of National Pride: Despite international non-recognition, the flag is a profound source of national pride and unity for the people of Somaliland, symbolizing their resilience and distinct national character. It is a rallying point for their collective identity.

Interesting Facts

• Unrecognized State: Somaliland is a self-declared independent state that declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, but it is not officially recognized by any country or international organization. Its flag, therefore, holds a unique status as the national emblem of an unrecognized entity.

• Democracy in a Volatile Region: Despite its unrecognized status, Somaliland has developed relatively stable democratic institutions, including regular elections and a functioning government, making its flag a symbol of democratic aspirations in a challenging region.

• No Half-Mast for Sacred Text: Due to the presence of the Shahada (the Islamic declaration of faith) on the flag, it is never flown at half-mast. This is a sign of respect for the holy words, as lowering them would be considered sacrilegious.

• Evolution of the Star's Meaning: The black star on the previous British Somaliland flag symbolized the aspiration for a greater Somalia. Its re-use on the new flag, but in black, is a deliberate and poignant statement about the demise of that ambition and the shift towards an independent Somaliland identity.

• Symbol of Peace and Self-Reliance: In contrast to the continuous conflict in Somalia, Somaliland has largely maintained peace through its own internal mechanisms and governance, making its flag a testament to self-reliance and indigenous conflict resolution.

• Distinct from Somalia's Flag: The Somaliland flag is distinctly different from the light blue flag of Somalia (which features a white five-pointed star), visually emphasizing its separate identity and independent path.

• Strong Internal Cohesion: The flag serves as a powerful symbol of internal cohesion and shared purpose among the clans and communities within Somaliland, who collectively decided to pursue independence and build a peaceful state.

• Celebrated Nationally: Even without international recognition, the flag is proudly displayed throughout Somaliland on public buildings, in homes, and during national celebrations, indicating its deep resonance with the local population.

In the demonstration images, full-size flags are shown with proportions of 2:3, and hand-held flags with proportions of 1:2.