Tension between the right to external self-determination and territorial integrity in Africa : Somaliland as a case study

Abstract

The concept of nation-state was imposed on the African continent. The African state is not the product of natural growth of the African peoples from tribal societies to nations.The colonial masters brought to Africa a nation-state that was based on legal and philosophical principles evolved elsewhere in the world.These principles became the measurements against which any nation should be tested to qualify for statehood. Accordingly, African borders were drawn. The two conflicting principles of self-determination and territorial integrity are amongst those principles. The former entails the right to peoples to determine their destination both politically and economically. The latter protects countries from fragmentation. The irony is how to ensure that all peoples achieve their right to self-determination and at the same time, national states are protected from dissolution.