The Problem of De Facto States in International Relations in Africa

In Africa, the emergence of the first unrecognised/de facto states is intricately linked to colonial legacy and subsequent decolonisation. This legacy maintained the newly formed African states within the artificial boundaries established on the continent by European colonisers. Paradoxically, both currently existing unrecognised states on the African continent, Western Sahara and Somaliland, aspire to function as independent entities within these colonial boundaries. This volume delves into the issue of de facto states in Africa and their impact on international relations on the continent. The book explores theoretical and legal issues, such as international subjectivity, as well as the origins of de facto statehood in Africa. It offers an in-depth analysis of historical and contemporary examples of de facto states on the continent. The authors conduct a thorough examination of the Western Sahara and Somaliland cases, highlighting their significance for international relations regionally and continentally. Additionally, they draw comparisons with de facto state cases in other parts of the world, such as Taiwan (Republic of China) or West Papua.