Sheikh Abdillahi Sheikh Ali Jowhar, one of Somaliland’s most respected religious scholars, has shared a detailed and revealing account of the historic events that shaped the nation’s modern identity—offering fresh insight into the significance of 18 May, the Burao and Borama conferences, and the creation of the country’s constitution.
Sheikh Ali Jowhar, who made these remarks in a video recorded some time ago while speaking at an 18 May celebration, began his speech by saying: The roots of Somaliland’s restored independence trace back to the 1991 Burao conference, a gathering that brought together representatives from all tribes residing in the nation at a critical moment in history. It was here that a defining decision was made: rather than framing that actions as secession, he suggested portraying it as reclaiming a sovereignty that had previously existed. The conference formally declared the restoration of Somaliland’s independence and established a transitional leadership to guide the country forward.
“In 1991, all of Somaliland came together in Burao,” Sheikh Ali Jowhar recalled. “While some said we were seceding, I insisted we were taking back what was rightfully ours.”
During this conference, leaders of the Somali National Movement (SNM) were entrusted with forming the initial administration. Abdirahman Ahmed Ali and Hassan Esse Jama were elected as president and vice president for a two-year term, with plans for elections to follow—though those elections ultimately did not take place as intended.
The Sheikh’s account goes further, shedding light on lesser-known aspects of the nation-building process. He emphasizes that the Borama conference, often celebrated as a cornerstone of Somaliland’s political development, was not just significant for its outcomes but also for the conditions under which it was held. According to him, Borama was the only viable location for such a gathering at the time—a reality that is rarely acknowledged.
Perhaps even more striking was the deliberate decision by key SNM leaders to step back from direct participation in the Borama proceedings. Prominent figures, including Muse Bihi Abdi, Abdirahman Aw Ali, Mohamed Kahin Ahmed, and others, chose to remain outside the formal deliberations. Only Abdirahman Aw Ali was permitted to attend due to the conference being held in his home region. The rest were allowed to observe but not to influence decisions.
This move, Sheikh Ali Jowhar explains, was an act of restraint and respect for the traditional elders who led the process. “They accepted not to intervene, not to question, and not to dominate,” he said, describing it as a moment of honor that is often overlooked in public narratives.
The Borama conference ultimately brought together 150 elders who laid the institutional foundation of Somaliland’s statehood. They agreed on establishing a formal government and organizing leadership elections. Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal was elected president, with Abdirahman Aw Ali Farah as his deputy, and the seat of government was moved to Hargeisa.
From there, attention turned to stabilizing the country. Leaders and elders called for the disarmament and reorganization of SNM forces, emphasizing discipline and the need to end fragmented militia control. This step proved essential in transitioning from a liberation movement to a functioning state.
The process of formalizing governance reached a critical milestone in 1997, when the drafting of a national constitution was agreed upon. Sheikh Ali Jowhar, who chaired the constitutional committee, recounted how earlier efforts by other groups—including scholars—had failed. Yet, under his leadership, the task was completed in just 21 days, marking a remarkable achievement in the country’s political development.
Through his reflections, Sheikh Ali Jowhar paints a vivid picture of a nation built not only through struggle, but through compromise, discipline, and collective vision. His account highlights how the decisions made in Burao and Borama continue to shape Somaliland’s political foundations to this day.