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.