ABSTRACT
This chapter explains that the colonial partition of Somali-inhabited areas, as well as the creation of distinct forms of colonial administration, had a great impact on the political processes in the current Somalia. It analyzes the relations between colonial administrative systems, with a special focus on the British and Italian colonies, as well as the current political developments in Somalia. The chapter deals with the partition of Somali-inhabited territories during the "great imperial game" in the Horn of Africa in the nineteenth century. It also analyzes the impact of colonial administrations on the political, economic, and social systems. The chapter further examines the current political developments in Somali territories, on the basis of the colonial heritage. It focuses on the issue of boundary delimitation and the emergence of Somaliland, as well as to a comparison between the peace resolution processes in Somaliland and southern Somalia.
