Somaliland isn’t pleading for independence; it’s rightfully reclaiming a sovereignty unjustly suspended. The world’s continued denial of this truth isn’t just an oversight—it’s a strategic blindness that jeopardizes the very stability it claims to seek.”
As the Horn of Africa grapples with a tempest of failed states, relentless insurgencies, and intrusive foreign interventions, one territory stands as an unwavering testament to peace and self-determination: Somaliland. For over three decades, this resilient republic has cultivated peace, nurtured a thriving democracy, and ensured security, all without the crutch of UN peacekeeping forces. Here in Hargeisa, the tangible benefits of this stability are felt every day – a stark contrast to the lingering chaos across the border.
Yet, the international community persists in labeling Somaliland a mere “breakaway region” of a Somalia that fractured beyond repair in 1991 and can’t even assert control over its own capital. This narrative feels increasingly detached from the reality we live here in Somaliland.
The time for diplomatic charades is over. Somaliland is a nation, forged in the crucible of self-reliance and popular will. The world simply needs to open its eyes and embrace this undeniable truth.
The unbroken chain: Sovereignty reclaimed, not conceded
The historical record is clear: in 1960, British Somaliland emerged as an internationally recognized sovereign state, its legitimacy affirmed by 35 UN members, including all five permanent members of the Security Council. Just five days later, this independent nation voluntarily entered a union with Italian Somalia – a union that, crucially, was never legally ratified.
“The Act of Union was a gesture of goodwill, a handshake between equals, not a legally binding contract that extinguished Somaliland’s statehood,” Dr. Michael Walls, UCL Professor and Somaliland Constitutional Expert, stated.
When Somalia descended into the abyss of dictatorship and subsequent collapse in 1991, Somaliland didn’t “secede” from a functioning entity. Instead, it resolutely reasserted its inherent sovereignty within its internationally recognized 1960 borders, a right unequivocally protected under the principle of uti possidetis juris (ICJ Burkina Faso v. Mali, 1986). This isn’t about division; it’s about the restoration of a pre-existing reality.
“This isn’t a secessionist act; it’s the dissolution of a marriage that was never legally consummated. Somaliland simply returned to its original, rightful status.” – Prof. Iqbal Jhazbhay, AU Policy Advisor.
A democratic oasis in a desert of autocracy: The Hargeisa experience
Somaliland’s democratic journey has been nothing short of remarkable. Here in Hargeisa, like the rest of the republic, we have witnessed peaceful and orderly transfers of power since 2003. The 2023 local elections were widely lauded as “remarkably free and fair” by the Academy for Peace and Development. This vibrant democratic culture stands as a beacon in a region too often marred by authoritarian rule. Unlike Somalia, which remains reliant on ATMIS peacekeepers for a semblance of stability, Somaliland maintains its own security, by its own people.
In terms of security, the contrast is stark. While Al-Shabaab continues to plague vast swathes of southern Somalia, Somaliland has been a haven of peace, experiencing no terrorist attacks since 2008 and effectively securing its 850-kilometer border with Somalia, preventing jihadist encroachment. Here in Somaliland, we live this security; it’s not an abstract concept.
“Somaliland’s homegrown security model is not to be ignored; it’s to be studied. They have achieved what billions in international aid couldn’t in Somalia,” said Matt Bryden (Amb), Security Analyst.
Beyond aid: Strategic imperative and economic promise
The future stability and prosperity of the Horn of Africa hinge on recognizing Somaliland’s pivotal role. The burgeoning port of Berbera, significantly upgraded by DP World, is poised to become a vital artery for regional trade, challenging Djibouti’s current dominance and offering a crucial gateway to the Red Sea. Furthermore, Somaliland holds significant untapped oil and gas reserves, promising future economic prosperity for its people, including those here in Hargeisa. Its dollarized economy also boasts lower levels of corruption than even Kenya, according to Transparency International, creating a more attractive environment for investment.
Internationally, Somaliland is an indispensable partner in the fight against terrorism, actively sharing intelligence with the U.S. and UK. It plays a critical role in safeguarding maritime security along the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Moreover, Somaliland has consciously resisted the debt-trap diplomacy that has ensnared other African nations, standing as a bulwark against undue external influence.
“Recognizing Somaliland isn’t an act of charity; it’s the most astute counterterrorism investment the West could make, securing a reliable partner in a volatile region,” Rep. Michael McCaul (R-TX), Sponsor of the Somaliland Partnership Act.
The paradox of neglect: Rewarding failure, punishing success
The international community’s continued inaction exposes a glaring hypocrisy. Somalia, despite receiving a staggering amount in annual aid, remains unable to secure its own capital, while Eritrea gained international recognition after a protracted and bloody war. Somaliland, in stark contrast, chose the path of peaceful state-building and democratic governance, yet is denied the same fundamental right. Even Kosovo, lacking full UN consensus, achieved recognition – a privilege still withheld from Somaliland.
“The world seems to readily embrace failed states while inexplicably penalizing success. Somaliland’s very existence exposes this illogical absurdity,”Edna Adan Ismail (PhD) former Somaliland Foreign Minister.
Somaliland’s case is distinct from the complex situations in South Sudan or Biafra. It is a former UN member state, a functioning democracy in a region struggling with authoritarianism, and a geostrategic asset.
“If the African Union saw fit to recognize Eritrea, what legitimate reason prevents the recognition of Somaliland? The answer lies not in law, but in outdated political considerations,”Alemayehu G. Mariam (Prof.)
The inevitable path: How recognition will unfold
The momentum for recognition is building. In the short term, Ethiopia’s potential recognition in exchange for access to the Berbera port could be a pivotal first step, potentially followed by other nations like the UAE and Kenya, drawn by growing trade and security ties. Simultaneously, the U.S. Congress has the opportunity to solidify defense cooperation by passing the Somaliland Partnership Act.
Looking ahead, the African Union could grant Somaliland observer status, effectively circumventing Somalia’s objections. The UN could then follow suit with conditional recognition, mirroring the approach taken with Kosovo. Full statehood would unlock crucial access to IMF and World Bank funding, paving the way for Somaliland’s full integration into the global community and fostering further development here in regions like Hargeisa.
Conclusion: An idea whose time has come – From hargeisa to the world
Somaliland has not just asked for recognition; it has earned it through decades of peace, democracy, and self-reliance. From the bustling markets of Hargeisa to the halls of government, the desire for international acceptance is palpable. The question is no longer if Somaliland will be recognized, but when.
The world stands at a crossroads. It can choose to stand with a proven democratic success story, a beacon of stability in a troubled region, or it can continue to cling to the fiction of a unified Somalia. History will undoubtedly judge harshly those who choose the wrong path.” – Adam Daud Ahmed
The era of excuses is over. The time for recognition is now. The people of Somaliland, including those of us in Hargeisa, have built a nation. It’s time for the world to acknowledge it.
A call to Action: Support the Somaliland Partnership Act, demand that the African Union implement its findings on Somaliland, and invest in Somaliland—a land of opportunity and stability waiting to be fully embraced.
Somaliland isn’t waiting for permission to exist. The question is: Will the world finally catch up?
Adam Daud Ahmed is a Horn of Africa political and security analyst specializing in geopolitics, counterterrorism, and democratization.
Contributed by Adam Daud Ahmed
The Reporter
