As Somaliland gears up to celebrate its 65th anniversary of independence from Britain on June 26, 2025 tonight, the nation is riding a wave of optimism, fueled by growing international momentum for recognition and its enduring stability. The Sapphire Jubilee marks a historic milestone since June 26, 1960, with Somaliland showcasing its resilience, democratic progress, and strategic importance on the global stage.

1. A Historic Milestone Infused with Pride

Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has launched the “Honouring Our Past, Reclaiming Our Future” campaign, featuring vivid imagery from the 1960 independence signing. Hargeisa’s streets are alive with green, white, and red flags, and community events aim to spotlight Somaliland’s unique journey. The Ministry hosted a symposium on June 25, 2025, at Ali Jirde Hotel to reflect on this milestone and strategize for recognition, welcoming diplomats and thinkers to share ideas. On X, locals are buzzing, describing the celebrations as a “rebirth of our nation’s story,” with #SomalilandRising trending globally.

2. UK and US Lawmakers Champion Recognition

Momentum for Somaliland’s international recognition is surging. In the UK, the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Somaliland is set to release a “Roadmap to Recognition” report on June 26, 2025, coinciding with the jubilee. Former MP Alun Michael, who led a 2007 delegation to Somaliland, has urged Britain to be ready to recognize the nation, citing its democratic success and historical contributions, including Somalilanders’ roles in World War II.

In the US, Congressman Scott Perry introduced the “Republic of Somaliland Independence Act” on June 12, 2025, aiming to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. Congressman Tom Tiffany emphasized, “It is a simple fact that Somaliland is a sovereign and self-governing nation separate from Somalia, and U.S. policy should reflect that.” Senate support is also growing, with Senator Ted Cruz, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Subcommittee on Africa, praising Somaliland’s “unique democratic character.” A high-level US delegation, led by Ambassador Richard Riley and AFRICOM Commander General Michael Langley, visited Hargeisa from June 18-20, 2025, to discuss security and defense cooperation, including the strategic port of Berbera. Insiders suggest President Trump’s administration, influenced by Project 2025’s call for Somaliland as a strategic ally, may be nearing a historic recognition decision.

3. Economic Resilience and Strategic Importance

Despite its unrecognized status, Somaliland boasts a stable democracy and a growing economy. The port of Berbera, a critical trade hub on the Gulf of Aden, has seen a significant increase in trade volume over the past five years, driven by infrastructure investments from partners like Ethiopia and the UAE. Local entrepreneurs are leveraging social media to promote Somaliland-made goods, amplifying the #SomalilandRising hashtag. Somaliland’s offer of Red Sea access, counterterrorism support, and democratic stability positions it as a vital ally in a geopolitically competitive region.

4. Cultural Unity and Regional Stability

Somaliland’s commitment to democratic governance, underscored by nine elections since 1991 and a peaceful power transition in 2010, has earned praise from African Union observers. Community leaders are organizing cultural events to celebrate the jubilee, highlighting Somaliland’s rich heritage and peaceful coexistence. These values, coupled with regional alliances, reinforce Somaliland’s role as a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa.

A Pivotal Moment for Somaliland

As Somaliland marks its 65th Sapphire Jubilee, the nation stands at a crossroads. With the UK’s APPG and US lawmakers, including Congress and Senate members, pushing for recognition, and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signaling optimism after talks with US leaders, the dream of international legitimacy feels closer than ever. Somaliland’s story of resilience, democracy, and hope continues to captivate the world, making 2025 a year of promise for this unrecognized nation.

The Time Is Now: With bipartisan support in the US and UK parliamentary efforts aligning, Somaliland’s quest for recognition is gaining unprecedented traction, heralding a potential turning point for its future on the global stage.

Not so long ago on the 18^th May 2025, we celebrated the 34th anniversary of Somaliland’s reassertion of its sovereignty. This Thursday, on June 26^th 2025, we will joyfully commemorate the 65th anniversary of the end of the British rule of Somaliland, which governed our land for 76 years.

It is important that our youth understand the distinction between these two historic occasions. Both mark pivotal moments in our nation’s journey, each representing a different chapter in our story.

26^th June 1960 remains etched in our collective memory—a day that shaped generations of Somalilanders in profound and personal ways. For our elders, it is a reminiscent of the sacrifices and struggles that led to independence. For all of us, it evokes the pride and hope that filled the hearts of Somalilanders on that momentous day.

26 June is a day of celebration that has been misappropriated by politicians in our neighbouring country, Somalia, who mark the occasion with political motives—aiming to distort Somaliland’s history and mislead their unsuspecting younger generation.

To clarify the true significance of this day for Somaliland’s nationhood, I would like to mention the following points:

1. Somaliland’s identity as a nation traces back to the British Protectorate system, which lasted nearly for a century. Somaliland officially became a British Protectorate in 1884. For the Somaliland protectorate system to be effective, the British entered into agreements with traditional elders from various Somaliland regions where different clans lived. This kind of agreement between the British and Somaliland traditional elders is proof and evidence that Somaliland did not experience anything related to colonialism. Somaliland has a distinct history compared to other countries in Africa most of who experienced a brutal system of colonial oppression.
2. This day symbolises Somaliland’s unique historical identity as a British Protectorate. It also commemorates our administrative and social distinction from other Somali-inhabited regions in the Horn of Africa, the Northern Frontier District (NFD), Djibouti, and the Eastern part of Ethiopia.
3. Most importantly, this day represents the very foundation of Somaliland’s nationhood. It serves as a unifying moment for all Somalilanders – a reminder that our nation belongs equally to every citizen, regardless of regional origins.
4. During its time as a British Protectorate (1884-1960), Somaliland developed a distinct geopolitical identity under British administration. The territory maintained organized military forces, including the Somaliland Camel Corps and Somaliland Scouts, some of which served alongside British troops in both World Wars.
5. This day also commemorates Somaliland’s well-established governance structures during the protectorate era, which included:

• A Somaliland passport system
• An official currency
• Local security forces maintaining law and order
• Other essential administrative institutions

Notably, Somaliland achieved independence with fully functional state institutions, including:

• A parliament operating under its constitution
• A functioning government led by Prime Minister Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal
• A multi-party political system, evidenced by the February 1960 parliamentary elections contested by three parties: SNL (Somali National League), NUF (National United Front) and USP (United Somali Party)

6. On this day, the people of Somaliland honour the warriors and heroes who sacrificed their time and lives to ensure that Somaliland achieved full independence from the British Government on 26th June 1960. The heroes who fought for freedom include Sayid Mohamed Abdulla Hassan who led Dervish Movement, whose led the struggle for 20 years, Sheikh Bashir, Farah Omar and others who fought alongside them.
7. June 26th also serves to commemorate the political movements that challenged 76 years of British protectorate rule. These political groups included: SNS, SNL, NUF and USP. The people of Somaliland equally honour the collective effort of Somaliland’s civil society—traditional elders, religious leaders, poets, and artists—whose wisdom and cultural leadership were instrumental in achieving independence.
8. It is also a day to remember the delegation that travelled to London to negotiate with the British Empire on the day Somaliland would gain its independence from the UK. This delegation consisted of the first cabinet that Somaliland had before the ill-fated attempt of merging with Somalia, namely: Mohamed Haji Ibrahim Egal, Ali Garad Jama, Haji Ibrahim Nur, and Ahmed Haji Duale.
9. During the five days that Somaliland enjoyed the atmosphere of independence from the UK on June 26th, we also remember the congratulatory messages that Somaliland received from world leaders such as Queen Elizabeth, Christian A. Herter: Secretary of State (USA) and the 35 countries that formally recognized Somaliland, including: China, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Ghana, Israel, Libya and the Soviet Union.
10. The commemoration of this day also underscores a critical historical fact that the union between Somaliland and Somalia was never officially ratified and there was no act of union at all, a reality recognised by the international community. Somaliland’s merger with Somalia just five days after independence occurred without any binding constitutional framework, making it essentially an unlawful arrangement that persisted for 30 years.

Despite the many hopes and optimism that the people of Somaliland had in the pursuit of the Somaliweyn (Greater Somalia) dream and the attempted merger with Somalia on 1st of July 1960, it is now a fact that the people of Somaliland remember on this day 26 June in particular the suffering and problems they suffered during the 30 years they were illegally part of a merger with Somalia.

11. This day also reminds us of the position Somaliland is in today and the state of the country’s lack of formal recognition.

Although we reasserted our sovereignty again in 1991, Somaliland has yet to achieve official recognition from the international community. While the challenges we face are significant, they are matched by untapped opportunities that demand our attention.

Before I conclude, I would like to express my appreciation to all Somaliland friends from the international community for their continuous efforts in achieving Somaliland’s aspiration. With this 65 anniversary, I would like to express my special appreciation to the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for their launch of a landmark report titled (Roadmap to recognition”, scheduled for June 26, 2025 at the House of Commons.

Conclusion

With a population of 6 million, at the same time celebrating the 65th anniversary, Somaliland people hope the international community will recognise and respect their right to self-determination. For a long time, Somaliland has been waiting for justice from the global community. Make no mistake when Somalilanders express their feelings towards this issue they emphasize with their voices that the struggle will continue even if it takes another 100 years to get justice.

The world is in a dangerous situation today, with the war in Ukraine, escalations between Iran and Israel, also the region where Somaliland is located is also not stable. The conflicts and instability in our neighbouring countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Sudan are also making the situation in the Horn of Africa and Middle East unstable. Taking into account of the uncertainty in the world, the Somaliland government led by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi needs to prioritize:

• Encouraging and maximising opportunities for economic growth in Somaliland.
• Continue to build on the case for recognition of Somaliland as an independent country with partners and allies globally.
• Maintain security and safety for Somalilanders against external threats
• Strengthening unity and cohesion among the Somaliland people.

I wish to conclude, strengthening the unity of the people of Somaliland including the diaspora is key to working together with collective responsibility to ensure that Somaliland achieves official recognition.

Abdirahman Abdillahi Jibril (Awliyo)

Jabdi35@yahoo.com

Reference:

Gerard Prunier: The country that doesn’t exist: A History of Somaliland 2021

Marleen Renders: 2005, Consider Somaliland: State Building with traditional leaders and institutions.

Stalled Abroad, Stuck at Home: Why Somaliland’s Global Ambitions Are Fading

Somaliland has long prided itself on being an outlier in a volatile region. Since regaining independence from Somalia in 1991, it has maintained relative stability, held competitive elections, and built functioning institutions often without external assistance. While much of the Horn of Africa has been plagued by conflict and authoritarianism, Somaliland has charted its own course, demonstrating resilience and self-governance in the face of international neglect.

Yet, more than thirty years later, the dream of full international recognition remains unfulfilled. As global dynamics shift and regional powers reposition, Somaliland finds itself increasingly left behind its diplomatic overtures falling flat, its economic potential underutilized, and its domestic governance underwhelming. Beneath the image of stability lies a deeper problem: a government that is unable to transform opportunity into progress, and a foreign policy that drifts without a destination.

This article critically examines how Somaliland’s lack of strategic direction in foreign affairs and poor internal management have not only stalled its quest for recognition but also imperiled its ability to lead from within.

A Foreign Policy Adrift in a Shifting Region

Somaliland’s foreign policy has long been reactive, fragmented, and overly dependent on symbolic gestures. While Somaliland has made some diplomatic inroads such as its ties with Taiwan, the UAE, and informal cooperation with Ethiopia these relationships have not been leveraged into a coherent strategy for recognition or regional influence.

A recent policy brief by the ISIR Institute highlights that Somaliland’s diplomatic apparatus lacks institutional depth, professional capacity, and long-term planning. Foreign policy decisions are often made without structured analysis or strategic forecasting. This has led to inconsistent messaging, missed opportunities, and a failure to capitalize on Somaliland’s geopolitical value.

Why Somaliland Struggles to Forge New Diplomatic Friendships

Despite its democratic credentials and strategic location, Somaliland has failed to build a diverse network of international allies. Several key factors explain this persistent diplomatic stagnation:

• Lack of a coherent foreign policy doctrine: Somaliland has no clearly articulated diplomatic roadmap. Without defined goals, target regions, or negotiation strategies, its outreach remains inconsistent and personality-driven.
• Overemphasis on recognition: While international recognition is a legitimate goal, Somaliland’s diplomacy often centers solely on this issue neglecting broader cooperation in trade, security, and development that could build trust and long-term alliances.
• Failure to leverage strategic assets: The Berbera Port and Red Sea access are powerful bargaining chips. Yet, Somaliland has not positioned itself as a regional logistics hub or security partner in a way that attracts sustained international interest.
• Diplomatic pressure from Somalia: Mogadishu continues to lobby against Somaliland’s engagement with other states, discouraging formal or even informal ties. Without a counter-strategy, Somaliland remains vulnerable to this diplomatic blockade.
• Limited diplomatic capacity: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs lacks trained diplomats, regional experts, and the resources to sustain long-term campaigns. This weakens Somaliland’s ability to maintain consistent messaging and build trust with new partners.
• Geopolitical sensitivities: Many countries fear that recognizing or engaging Somaliland could destabilize the Horn of Africa or antagonize Somalia. Others are wary of setting a precedent for secessionist movements elsewhere.

The Ethiopia MoU: A Diplomatic Misfire

The most glaring example of foreign policy mismanagement is the controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with Ethiopia in early 2024. The agreement, which grants Ethiopia access to Somaliland’s coastline, was initially framed as a diplomatic breakthrough. However, the lack of transparency, absence of parliamentary oversight, and failure to consult the public have turned it into a political liability.

Rather than using the MoU to assert Somaliland’s sovereignty and economic potential, the government allowed confusion and speculation to dominate the narrative. The fallout has strained relations with Somalia, provoked regional anxiety in Egypt and Djibouti, and deepened internal divisions particularly in regions like Awdal and Sool, where communities feel excluded from national decision-making.

Internal Mismanagement Undermines External Credibility

Foreign policy is not made in a vacuum. Somaliland’s internal governance failures, nepotism, delayed appointments, lack of development, and weak institutional coordination have eroded its credibility abroad. International actors are hesitant to engage with a government that appears disorganized, opaque, and politically stagnant.

Despite campaign promises of reform and renewal, there have been no major infrastructure projects, no new economic initiatives, and no visible improvements in public services.

A Call for Strategic Reform

If Somaliland is to achieve its long-standing goals of recognition and development, it must undergo a fundamental shift in both its foreign policy and internal management. That means:

• Developing a clear, assertive diplomatic doctrine rooted in legal history, economic potential, and regional stability.
• Ending symbolic negotiations with Somalia and pursuing international legal avenues to assert sovereignty.
• Professionalizing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, with trained diplomats, regional experts, and a unified message.
• Leveraging Berbera Port and Red Sea access to build economic alliances and attract investment.
• Restoring institutional credibility through transparency, merit-based appointments, and timely government formation.

Conclusion

Somaliland’s story is one of courage, perseverance, and ambition. But in today’s competitive geopolitical environment, history alone is not enough. The state must demonstrate that it is not only peaceful and stable, but also strategic, forward-looking, and well-governed. The world does not reward symbolic gestures or rhetorical appeals; it rewards vision, consistency, and competence.

To unlock the recognition it has long sought, Somaliland must do more than survive; it must lead. That means reforming how it governs internally and how it engages externally. It must stop waiting for diplomatic miracles and start building the alliances, policies, and credibility that make recognition inevitable rather than aspirational.

The current moment offers both a warning and an opportunity: without decisive reform, Somaliland risks drifting into irrelevance. But with the right leadership, rooted in strategy and public interest, it can still chart a new course, one defined by real partnerships, tangible development, and international legitimacy.

Somaliland’s window of opportunity is narrowing. The world is watching. What remains to be seen is whether Somaliland’s leaders are prepared to act.

Mr. Harir Yasin—Freelance Journalist and Writer

References

• ISIR Policy Brief: Somaliland’s Foreign Policy Reset – Turning Challenges into Opportunities
• Policy Brief: Somaliland’s Foreign Policy under the New Government (Academia.edu)
• Somaliland’s Foreign Policy Strategy: Exploring Plausible Options to Statehood Status (IRPJ)
• Somaliland’s Efforts to Achieve International Recognition (Radio Somaliland)
• The Strategic Implications of Somaliland’s Recognition (Somaliland Chronicle)
• “Not Just Symbolic Act”: What Will Somaliland’s Recognition Mean for the Horn? (The Reporter Ethiopia)
• Somaliland’s Rising Strategic Role in U.S. Oil and Military Policy (OilPrice.com)