Thousands of people displaced by fighting in Somalia are ending up in the relatively peaceful neighbouring territory, Somaliland.<br /><br />Once part of Somalia, it is now a self-declared republic in the troubled Horn of Africa region, and has been seeking international recognition of its independence since 1991.<br /><br />Al Jazeera's Mohammed Adow, in Burao, the main city of Togdheer province, says the complicated nature of local politics is blocking relief efforts.<br /><br />Somaliland is a former British protectorate in north western Somalia.<br /><br />In 1960, it gained its independence and united with what was then Italian Somaliland to form the Somalia republic.<br /><br />In 1991, it declared independence after Mohamed Siad Barre, the Somali military leader, was overthrown.<br /><br />Political unrest<br /><br />Tension over the Somaliland presidential election, which was due to have been held on September 27, has given rise to fears that the self-declared territory could become a failed state like its neighbour Somalia.<br /><br />The polls have been postponed indefinitely due to serious differences between the political parties since 2008.<br /><br />The complicated nature of local politics is blocking relief efforts in Burao <br />This uncertainty has led to increased concern about Somaliland in the international community, and a flare-up of political animosity within the territory.<br /><br />Recent violence, particularly in the capital Hargeysa, has shown that the crisis in Somaliland has changed from being political to one of security and stability.<br /><br />Despite the unrest in September, Somaliland has a relatively stable democracy.<br /><br />It has a population of 3.5 million people, according to government estimates, and is a relatively stable democracy even though it has not been internationally recognised.<br /><br />This is partly because it has developed a unique hybrid system of government.<br /><br />The row over elections - largely seen as a test for this fledgling nation - threatens to divide it.
