President Royale toured 5 East African countries to campaign for AU membership in wider pursuit of international recognition.

Somaliland celebrated fifteenth anniversary of self-declared independence from Somalia 18 May. President Royale held talks with AU Commission Chairman Konare on request for AU admission; visited Ethiopia to discuss growing bilateral ties. Somali transitional parliament condemned Ethiopian trade liaison office in Hargeysa. In contentious move, government extended term of council elders (upper house) to 2010 with endorsement of constitutional court, bypassing legislature. 11 killed in fighting between rival subclans in Buhoodhle district.

Yemen offered to mediate border dispute between Somaliland and Puntland, following visit by Somaliland President Kahin.

Fighting between rival Puntland and Somaliland clans killed 6 in border village 29 March. Exploratory activities by Australian oil company in disputed border zone threatened to further aggravate tensions.

Land dispute in Hargeysa flared into inter-clan conflict; 6 killed. President Kahin appointed mediation committee at emergency cabinet meeting.

Somaliland formally applied for AU membership. Parliament approved agenda for first session and established subcommittees including anti-corruption.

Upper house of parliament endorsed opposition-backed speaker, whose 1 December election sparked brawl among legislators; urged President Kahin to accept decision. Somaliand and Puntland exchanged detainees captured during 2004 clashes over disputed Sool region.

First session of newly elected parliament ended in fist fight after MPs not permitted to elect speaker. Students protested alleged killing of peer by police.

Ruling Union of Democrats won 33 of 82 seats in September elections; opposition parties “Kulmiye” and “Justice and Welfare” won 28 and 21 respectively, agreed to respect results. International observers confirmed elections generally free and fair.

Ongoing political tension ahead of planned September 2005 parliamentary elections. Opposition threatened impeachment of President Dahir Rayale Kahin if victorious. Somaliland leaders meeting Los Angeles committed themselves to free and fair September elections.