The union formed in June–July 1960 between the newly independent State of Somaliland (formerly a British protectorate) and the Trust Territory of Somalia (under Italian administration) is often presented as the birth of the Somali Republic. Yet, from its earliest days, this union revealed deep structural weaknesses. Political imbalance, legal incompatibility, and institutional distrust quickly generated tensions—particularly among Northern elites and military officers. These tensions culminated in the failed coup attempt of December 1961 and, more significantly, in the landmark 1963 trial that exposed the union’s fragile legal foundations.

From the outset, Northern officers felt marginalized within the newly formed Somali National Army. Many had received rigorous training in British institutions such as the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and were accustomed to a strict, merit-based system. However, after unification, Southern officers—shaped by Italian military traditions—dominated senior leadership positions. This imbalance left Northern officers sidelined, under-promoted, and excluded from meaningful command roles.

Beyond hierarchy, the merger exposed a deeper clash of institutional cultures. The British-influenced Northern system emphasized discipline, professionalism, and organizational clarity, while the Italian-derived Southern system was perceived by its Northern counterparts as more politicized and patronage-driven. This incompatibility created friction not only at the leadership level but also in everyday military operations, eroding trust within the........

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