Taiwan Representative to Somaliland Allen Lou (羅震華) has said that Taiwan’s model of cooperation is “people-centric” and focuses on “knowledge transfer and capacity building,” and that ultimately the hope is to create a model in Somaliland to “win more friends in east Africa.”
President William Lai (賴清德) met with Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam Bakal in July last year following the signing of an agreement between the nations on coast guard cooperation. Lai talked about the need to deepen bilateral ties and fulfill the strategic goal of a “non-red” Somaliland shoreline. He called Somaliland “the beacon of democracy in the Horn of Africa,” and that the “authoritarian bloc” continues to ramp up suppression of Taiwan’s and Somaliland’s international participation.
Taipei’s policy contrasts authoritarian states and democracies, and in particular those that are seeking legitimacy internationally. That these contrasts exist is further evidence that Taiwan and China are separate entities, with distinct governments, even if that is not reflected in international recognition.
On today’s page, analyst Michele Maresca (“Benefits of Israel’s pivot in Africa”) writes that Taiwan’s partnership with Somaliland has helped with the African nation’s aspirations to bolster international recognition. That was given a major boost by Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” on Dec. 27 last year, making Israel the first UN member to do so. That recognition is a stepping stone in Somaliland’s bid for more international support: It not only provides broader legitimacy, but it now has a champion in Israel.
Soft power works slowly, sometimes imperceptibly, but over time lays the foundations for the evolution of circumstances by forming recognition of desired narratives. It is helped when the application of the soft power is implemented in good faith and for mutual benefit. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was a significant boost to Hargeisa’s cause. Hopefully the application of soft power will continue to aid Taiwan’s.
