"Most people confuse Somaliland and Somalia. Wouldn’t it be a good idea to get a new name? The name is always under discussion, but this has been our name since 1888. We’re an old country."
President Ahmed Mohamud Silaanyo, Somaliland
Ahmed Mohamud Silaanyo rules a peaceful country with democratic elections, functioning businesses, a police force — even broadband. He’s the president of Somaliland, the region of Somalia that declared independence 19 years ago. There’s just one problem: No country officially recognizes Somaliland. President Silaanyo, who was elected earlier this year, has made recognition his goal and travels around the world to lobby for his country. He enjoyed the first fruits of his labors earlier this year, when the U.S. announced it will increase aid to Somaliland and send more diplomats there.