Somaliland Voters Back Independence

Somaliland’s leaders said final results from last week’s referendum showed that 97% of voters support a new constitution that confirms the region’s independence from the rest of Somalia.

The results were announced at a ceremony in the parliament of Somaliland, which split from Somalia 10 years ago but has never been recognized internationally as a separate state.

Sultan Abdirahman Sheik Muhumad, a member of the House of Elders, thanked international observers for witnessing Thursday’s vote, which the government hopes will advance its campaign for recognition abroad.