The Truth About Somaliland

For more than 30 years, Somaliland has quietly defied the narrative imposed on much of the Horn of Africa.

While Somalia collapsed into civil war, terrorism and chaos, Somaliland chose a different path.

Rebel News reporter Avi Yemini and his camerman Benji will show you what the mainstream media refuse to platform.

Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has built a functioning, peaceful and democratic society, holding regular competitive elections, maintaining internal security and achieving peaceful transfers of power without international recognition, foreign troops, or endless aid dependency.

Yet despite meeting every core criterion of statehood under international law — defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government and the capacity to engage internationally — Somaliland remains ignored by most Western governments and legacy media.

That silence matters.

Lack of recognition denies Somaliland access to international finance, development institutions, formal diplomatic relations and security partnerships. It punishes democratic success while rewarding dysfunction elsewhere. If Western governments claim to stand for democracy, stability and the rule of law, Somaliland exposes the hypocrisy of those claims.

Meanwhile, extremist-backed entities and failed states receive legitimacy, funding and influence, while one of Africa’s most stable and democratic societies is treated as if it doesn’t exist.

That’s why Rebel News is sending Avi and Benji to Somaliland.

Avi will be on the ground, speaking directly with locals, leaders and citizens. This mission is about showing viewers the reality Western audiences are rarely allowed to see: a functioning democracy in a volatile region, ignored for ideological and political convenience.

Sign The Petition

If you believe Western governments should reward democratic success instead of ignoring it, add your name to the petition calling for Somaliland’s recognition as a sovereign state.

4,717 signatures

Goal: 10,000 signatures

Support Our Coverage

Rebel News is sending reporter Avi Yemini and his cameraman Benji to Somaliland to report from the ground on one of the world’s most successful, and most ignored, democracies. For more than 30 years, Somaliland has remained peaceful, stable and self-governing, yet Western media and governments largely refuse to acknowledge it.

While failed states and extremist-backed regimes receive recognition, Somaliland is shut out. Avi will be there to speak directly to locals, leaders and everyday people, showing viewers what the establishment won’t: a functioning democracy in a volatile region that deserves to be heard.

If you believe real journalism means boots on the ground — not talking points from afar — please consider chipping in to help cover economy flights, accommodation and basic expenses for this mission. Unlike the taxpayer-funded media, Rebel News is 100% viewer-supported.