Hargeisa – Professor Ismail Ducaale Yusuf, the Minister of Education, Science, and Technology of Somaliland, today visited Hargeisa General Hospital to assess the condition of students injured in a traffic accident in the Mohamed Mooge district of Hargeisa.
The seven injured students were all primary-level learners, predominantly from lower grades and kindergarten (KG). The accident occurred as the children were leaving school. They were urgently transported to the hospital for medical care.
According to health officials, three students sustained serious injuries including bone fractures, while the four others were treated for minor injuries and discharged following emergency care.
During his visit, the Minister received a detailed briefing from hospital authorities and met with parents of the injured children. He commended the swift response of medical staff and hospital management, emphasizing that such actions “build public trust in our institutions.”
Accompanied by Maroodi-Jeh Regional Education Director, Mr. Mohamed Hussein Muse, the Minister noted that education officials had promptly mobilized support after the incident. “We are closely monitoring the students’ recovery and the steps being taken,” added Director Muse.
Minister Yusuf expressed deep concern over student transportation safety, particularly during school dismissal times. He called on parents, school administrators, and security agencies to collaborate in strengthening protective measures for students.
The Minister concluded with prayers for the swift recovery of the injured children, hoping they would “soon resume their education in good health.”
Somaliland’s pursuit of international recognition is a long-standing and strategic national ambition. Achieving this goal requires consistent diplomatic engagement, clarity of purpose, and the ability to leverage every opportunity to enhance its global profile. In this context, President Muse Bihi Abdi Cirro’s recent visit to Kenya marks a significant diplomatic success for Somaliland.
Somaliland’s Diplomatic Context
Somaliland fulfills the core criteria of statehood under international law: a defined territory, a permanent population, a functioning government, and the capacity to enter into relations with other states. Despite its current status as a de facto state, Somaliland continues to work toward achieving de jure recognition.
Strategic Importance of the Visit
President Cirro’s official visit to Kenya should be analyzed not merely as a routine foreign engagement but as a well-calculated strategic maneuver aimed at:
1. Reinforcing Regional Diplomacy
The visit strengthens bilateral relations with Kenya, a key regional player in East Africa. It also signals Somaliland’s readiness to engage with regional blocs on an equal footing.
2. Expanding Political Recognition
One of the most notable outcomes of the visit is the language used in official Kenyan communications, which referred to Somaliland as an “emerging state.” This is a powerful diplomatic gesture that lends legitimacy to Somaliland’s recognition narrative.
3. Advancing Soft Power and Political Visibility
High-level visits enhance soft power—projecting Somaliland as a stable, democratic, and peaceful nation with clear leadership and international intent. This increases its visibility among regional and global stakeholders.
4. Fostering Economic and Developmental Ties
The visit opened discussions on trade, infrastructure, education, and investment partnerships. These areas are critical to Somaliland’s development agenda and offer direct benefits to its citizens.
5. Bolstering National Identity and Pride
Domestically, such visits reaffirm the country’s self-determination and strengthen national pride. They also demonstrate that Somaliland’s leadership is actively engaging the international community on behalf of its people.
Assessment of Gains
From a governance and international relations standpoint, President Cirro’s visit produced several measurable and symbolic gains:
Diplomatic Acknowledgment: Kenya’s recognition of Somaliland as an “emerging state” enhances the legitimacy of Somaliland’s sovereignty claims.
Enhanced Bilateral Cooperation: Agreements and discussions held during the visit have laid the groundwork for stronger economic and security cooperation.
Media and Strategic Attention: The visit attracted media coverage and policy attention from think tanks and diplomatic observers, expanding Somaliland’s soft influence.
Inspiration for Further Engagements: This success sets a precedent and opens doors for future state-level engagements with other African countries and international partners.
Conclusion
In conclusion, President Cirro’s visit to Kenya was not only timely but also a well-executed diplomatic engagement that brought substantial gains for Somaliland. It strengthened bilateral ties, elevated Somaliland’s international profile, and contributed positively to the ongoing recognition campaign. Rather than a loss, this visit is a strategic win—an important step forward on the path to international legitimacy and nationhood.
Liban Ismail Abdilahi
Chairman, Somaliland Good Governance Commission
Foreign and Regional Analyst
“Abdillahi’s visit to Kenya has opened doors for fresh opportunity for both Kenya and Somaliland to cooperate together.”
A week ago, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi irro made his first visit to Kenya since he took over power after the presidential elections last November.
Despite initial hiccups his visit was very successful as he was able to interact with key leaders in Kenya including President William Ruto, former Prime Minister Rail Odinga and Speaker of Kenyan Parliament Moses Wetangula. Of critical importance is that President Abdillahi’s one week stay in Kenya cemented the relationship between the two countries and was a huge step in widening Somaliland’s foreign position in east Africa which is a solid podium in our quest for international recognition.
It goes without saying the common interests Kenya and Somaliland share from way back in the 1900 when the two countries would not only trade together but also worked together in the quest for independence from the British rule.
But beyond that, Somaliland views Kenya as a crucial ally in so many fronts including security in the horn of Africa which has been ravaged by terrorism and piracy.
Despite Somaliland’s role in the security in the Horn of Africa, the country remains unrecognized internationally making it difficult for its government and citizens to gain support for its efforts.
That notwithstanding, Somaliland has been carving out a space for itself in the Horn with its stable governance and aspirations for official statehood.
As a country, Somaliland needs to explore on alternative pathways to advance its foreign policy and international cooperation.
Which is why President Abdillahi’s visit to Kenya was a very important milestone in reshaping Somaliland’s foreign policy and renewed quest for international recognition bearing in mind Kenya’s influence in the East Africa region and the continent.
The current international landscape is increasingly influenced by the rise of regional blocs and alliances, which provide new platforms and opportunities for advocacy and collaboration.
For Somaliland, engaging with these blocs which Kenya has immense influence offers a strategic avenue to amplify its voice and advocate for its interests on a larger stage.
By aligning with nations like Kenya that share similar political, economic or security goals, Somaliland can enhance its diplomatic reach and leverage collective bargaining power to its advantage. By strategically engaging with Kenya, Somaliland will enhance its regional influence and stability.
This engagement presents significant opportunities for Somaliland because it will facilitate economic benefits including access to larger markets, shared infrastructure projects, and increased foreign investment.
For Somaliland, this means not only economic growth but also a platform to showcase its commitment to regional development and cooperation, potentially bolstering its case for international recognition.
The visit by Dr Abdillahi came just five years after a similar one by the immediate former Somaliland leader Muse Bihi who together with former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta signed a joint communique at the State House.
Key in the agreement between Bihi and Kenyatta, the presidents agreed to focus on expansion of bilateral trade, enhancing collaboration in air transport including enabling direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa, as well as cooperating in Agriculture, Livestock development, Education, Energy and cooperation between the ports of Mombasa and Berbera.
President Abdillahi’s meeting with President Ruto affirmed shared commitment to regional stability as they explored new avenues for cooperation including trade, infrastructure and security.
This is because cooperation between Kenya and Somaliland is important for peace and socio-economic growth in the region.
Meeting Odinga was equally important because the former Prime Minister has been a champion and supporter for the recognition of Somaliland while Wetangula as speaker of Kenyan Parliament can support legislation in parliament to recognize Somaliland as a country.
Our focus is also on how we can bolster trade, agriculture, education and health. As the Minister for the Presidency, I can comfortable state that Dr Abdillahi’s visit to Kenya has opened doors for fresh opportunity for both Kenya and Somaliland to cooperate together for the betterment of the people of the two nations.
Khadar Hussein Abdi is the Minister of the Presidency of the Republic of Somaliland
(Analysis) In the volatile Horn of Africa, Somaliland, a self-governing region unrecognized by any UN member state since its 1991 declaration of independence, has thrust itself back into the global spotlight.
After three decades of relative stability, democratic elections, and a functioning government, Somaliland’s quest for sovereignty is gaining unprecedented traction, driven by strategic shifts and superpower interests.
This resurgence demands close scrutiny, as it threatens to reshape the delicate power dynamics of a region long plagued by conflict and rivalry.
Kenya’s Diplomatic Pivot Sparks Tensions
The catalyst for Somaliland’s re-emergence is a flurry of diplomatic developments, notably involving Kenya, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
Kenya, a regional powerhouse, has signaled tacit recognition by allowing Somaliland to open a liaison office in Nairobi, following a meeting between Kenyan President William Ruto and Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
This move, though unconfirmed by primary sources, suggests Kenya’s willingness to engage with Somaliland as a de facto state, potentially emboldened by its recent recognition of Kosovo.
Such a step could legitimize Somaliland’s aspirations and strain relations with Somalia, which claims sovereignty over the region.
Somaliland’s Geopolitical Comeback: How a Forgotten State Is Shaping the Horn of Africa
Western Interest Grows: UK and US Signals
The United Kingdom, Somaliland’s former colonial ruler, has also played a role.
Former UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson told The Guardian that senior US officials indicated Somaliland’s recognition was imminent, a claim that underscores growing Western interest.
The US, under President Donald Trump, is reportedly considering formal recognition, a policy shift rooted in Project 2025, a conservative manifesto advocating Somaliland’s statehood to counter China’s influence in Djibouti, where the US maintains a critical military base.
Somaliland’s President Abdullahi further fueled speculation, claiming Trump’s ambassador to Somalia visited him thrice in 2025, and a senior US military official toured Hargeisa, signaling potential plans for a US base in Berbera.
Trump’s Strategic Calculations
Rumors swirl about Trump’s motivations. Beyond countering China, the US seeks to bolster its Red Sea presence amid Houthi attacks on shipping lanes, which a Berbera base could address.
Additionally, Somaliland has pitched itself as a refuge for Palestinians displaced under Trump’s controversial Gaza plan, a proposal dismissed as implausible given Somaliland’s $1,000 GDP per capita but appealing to Trump’s penchant for bold gestures.
These strategic and humanitarian pretexts position Somaliland as a pawn in Washington’s broader geopolitical chess game.
Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi
Regional Fallout and Arab Divisions
Recognition would be transformative for Somaliland, granting access to international markets, aid, and legitimacy, while boosting its Berbera port, developed by the UAE.
For Somalia, it would be a devastating blow, undermining its territorial integrity and potentially escalating tensions with Mogadishu, which has offered Berbera to Trump to thwart recognition.
Ethiopia, a key Somaliland ally via a 2024 port access MoU, could gain a naval foothold but risks alienating Somalia and Egypt, its Nile rival, which opposes Somaliland’s independence to curb Ethiopia’s regional dominance.
Djibouti, reliant on Ethiopian trade through its port, faces economic losses if Berbera becomes a viable alternative, further complicating its pro-China stance.
The Arab monarchies, particularly Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are divided.
The UAE, invested in Berbera, may support recognition to secure its Red Sea influence, while Saudi Arabia, aligned with Egypt and wary of UAE expansion, backs Somalia’s unity.
Their actions—whether through Arab League pressure or economic leverage—could sway the outcome.
A Fragile Balance at Risk
This precarious balance in the Horn, where al-Shabaab thrives on instability, risks tipping into conflict if recognition proceeds unilaterally.
A US move could embolden separatists regionwide, inflame Somalia’s ire, and deepen Egypt-Ethiopia tensions, potentially destabilizing the Red Sea corridor.
Yet, it could also reward Somaliland’s democratic resilience, challenging Africa’s rigid borders.
The world must watch closely, as Somaliland’s fate could ignite or pacify one of the globe’s most volatile regions.
US President Donald Trump signed a proclamation yesterday banning the citizens of 12 countries from entering the United States, saying the move was needed to protect against “foreign terrorists” and other security threats, Reuters reports.
The directive is part of an immigration crackdown Trump launched this year at the start of his second term, which has also included the deportation to El Salvador of hundreds of Venezuelans, as well as efforts to deny enrollments of some foreign students and deport others.
The countries affected by the latest travel ban are Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen.
The entry of people from seven other countries: Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone, Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela, will be partially restricted.
“We will not allow people to enter our country who wish to do us harm,” Trump said in a video posted on X. He said the list could be revised and new countries could be added.
The proclamation is effective on 9 June. Visas issued before that date will not be revoked, the order said.
During his first term in office, Trump announced a ban on travellers from seven Muslim-majority nations, a policy that went through several iterations before it was upheld by the Supreme Court in 2018.
Former President Joe Biden, a Democrat who succeeded Trump, repealed that ban on nationals from Iran, Libya, Somalia, Syria and Yemen in 2021, calling it “a stain on our national conscience.”
Trump said the countries subject to the most severe restrictions were determined to harbour a “large-scale presence of terrorists,” fail to cooperate on visa security and have an inability to verify travellers’ identities, inadequate record-keeping of criminal histories and high rates of visa overstays in the United States.
“We cannot have open migration from any country where we cannot safely and reliably vet and screen those who seek to enter the United States,” Trump said.
Somalia immediately pledged to work with the US to address security issues.
“Somalia values its longstanding relationship with the United States and stands ready to engage in dialogue to address the concerns raised,” Dahir Hassan Abdi, the Somali ambassador to the United States, said in a statement.
Ambassador Bashe Omar has reignited the conversation around Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international recognition, challenging the often-repeated diplomatic line that “this is an issue for Somalia and Somaliland to resolve together.” In a recent post on X, Omar argued that this position is outdated and serves as an excuse for global inaction.
Somaliland, which reclaimed its independence in 1991 following the collapse of its union with Somalia, was a recognized sovereign state in 1960—acknowledged by more than 35 countries. Omar emphasizes that Somaliland’s reassertion of independence is not an act of secession, but a restoration of its prior status after a failed union marked by dictatorship, civil war, and marginalization.
Despite 11 rounds of talks with Somalia since the 2012 Chevening Declaration, no meaningful progress has been achieved. Omar attributes this deadlock to Mogadishu’s persistent unwillingness to engage seriously.
Highlighting Somaliland’s stability and governance, Omar points to its functioning government, armed forces, independent currency, and record of holding regular democratic elections. This stands in stark contrast to Somalia’s ongoing struggles with insecurity and the persistent threat of Al-Shabab. He argues that recognizing Somaliland— which meets all internationally accepted criteria for statehood—would contribute to regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
The post draws comparisons with nations such as Eritrea, South Sudan, and Kosovo, which gained recognition following the collapse of political unions. Omar questions why Somaliland continues to face a double standard despite a stronger legal and historical case.
His remarks come amid growing international interest in Somaliland’s case. A May 2025 editorial in Kenya’s Citizen Digital urged countries like Kenya to formally recognise Somaliland, citing its colonial-era borders and historical ties. However, concerns persist in some circles—particularly fears that recognition might encourage other secessionist movements in Africa or complicate Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts. Omar rejects these concerns, pointing to Somaliland’s peaceful governance and absence of extremist groups.
As the international community continues to grapple with Somaliland’s status, the self-governing nation remains committed to charting its own foreign policy course. The debate over Somaliland’s recognition is becoming increasingly urgent—with growing calls for the global community to acknowledge the political reality of its de facto statehood.
In an exclusive sit-down with THE ADVOCATE POST by Abdul Rafay Afzal (Editor in Chief) during his Official Visit to Somaliland, Minister of Energy and Minerals, H.E. Eng. Ahmed Jama Barre, painted a compelling picture of a nation poised on the brink of an energy and mineral revolution. Minister Barre detailed significant progress in oil and gas exploration, vast untapped mineral wealth, ambitious renewable energy plans, and the strategic leveraging of resources to bolster Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.
Q: Minister Barre, significant oil discoveries were announced a few years ago. What is the status? When can Somalilanders expect drilling to begin?
Minister Barre: Indeed, we have made promising discoveries, and activity is accelerating. We have a robust legal framework in place, including the Petroleum Law, Model Production Sharing Agreement (PSA), and supporting policies. Currently, we have two major international companies actively engaged: Genel Energy (UK) and RAK Gas (UAE).
Genel Energy: They hold two blocks in the eastern region. They have completed extensive technical studies, including seismic surveys, which indicate significant potential for oil and gas. Security challenges in that area previously hindered exploration, but the government has successfully stabilized the region. We have a crucial meeting scheduled in UAE this June to finalize timelines for their exploration drilling program.
RAK Gas: They operate a block near Berbera and have also completed positive technical studies confirming hydrocarbon potential. We are actively negotiating contract renewal terms and the commencement of their exploration drilling. A follow-up meeting is also planned for June.
While the companies’ internal projections might point towards 2027 for significant development, as the Government of Somaliland, we are pushing them hard to expedite their work programs. Our firm expectations and target are to see tangible progress, including drilling, commencing as early as next year (2026). We are actively negotiating these timelines.
Q: Beyond oil and gas, Somaliland is reported to be rich in minerals, particularly Lithium. What is the state of play there?
Minister Barre: Absolutely. Somaliland is exceptionally endowed with minerals. Lithium is a prime example, given its critical role in the global battery revolution. We actively issue licenses – including reconnaissance, small-scale mining, large-scale mining, and mineral processing licenses.
Lithium Development: We have already granted a large-scale mining license to a Taiwanese company. They are currently at an advanced stage, moving from exploration towards production. We are in ongoing discussions with them, not only about establishing mining operations but also exploring the potential for them to establish a lithium battery manufacturing plant here in Somaliland. This would add immense value.
Engagement with Taiwan & China: Taiwanese companies are present and investing. We see significant potential in deepening these partnerships, particularly in high-value sectors like battery manufacturing. While Chinese companies are also active investors in Somaliland, the Taiwanese engagement in critical minerals is notable. We are open to and encourage investment from both. We are not against China we are open for all because what we need is recognition.
Q: How does Somaliland leverage these economic partnerships, in its pursuit of international recognition?
Minister Barre: This is a crucial point. Somaliland fulfills all the Montevideo Convention criteria for statehood: a defined territory, permanent population, effective government, and capacity to enter foreign relations. We are a stable, democratic nation with peaceful transfers of power, as witnessed just six months ago.
Our partnerships, like the one with Taiwan – which includes an official representative office here in Hargeisa, investment, and development cooperation – are mutually beneficial. However, true friendship and alliance should extend beyond economics. We actively engage with all partners, including Taiwan, highlighting that Somaliland is a deserving candidate for formal diplomatic recognition. We point to the example of Pacific Island nations supporting Taiwan and ask why Somaliland, a significant partner investing in critical future industries, should not receive similar political support in return. Recognition is the key that unlocks Somaliland’s full potential for its people and its international partners.
Q: Beyond hydrocarbons and lithium, what about renewables? Somaliland seems ideal for solar and wind.
Minister Barre: You are right! We are blessed with abundant sunshine and strong, consistent winds – resources literally blowing outside our windows. Renewable energy is a cornerstone of our national energy strategy. We are actively courting and seeing significant interest from international investors in both solar and wind power projects. Harnessing these resources is essential for sustainable domestic power generation and reducing reliance on imports. The future of Somaliland’s energy mix is decidedly green.
Q: What are Somaliland’s current major exports?
Minister Barre: Currently, our primary exports are livestock (especially goats and camels) and gemstones. However, the future lies in significantly expanding this through the export of our mineral resources (like gold and soon, lithium) and, ultimately, oil and gas once production commences. We are a resource-rich nation.
Q: Are you engaging with US companies? What is your vision?
Minister Barre: Yes, we have significant interest from US entities, particularly concerning critical minerals. Discussions are ongoing with both companies and government representatives. The US is a key market and potential partner.
We are open for all to come visit us explore this untapped market we are minerals rich nation, full of potential, opportunities and we have something which is a blessing that is “PEACE”.
Q: Is Somaliland planning a major international investment conference for its natural resources?
Minister Barre: This is a priority. We are in the preparatory stages of organizing a major international mining and energy conference, very likely to be held in Dubai this Year. The goal is to comprehensively showcase Somaliland’s vast investment opportunities across oil, gas, minerals (including critical minerals like lithium), and renewables to a global audience. We are building the necessary databases and ensuring compliance frameworks are robust first. This conference will be a landmark event for attracting the best partners.
Q: As Somaliland celebrated Restoration Anniversary (May 18th), what is your message to the Somalilanders and the world?
Minister Barre:To the Somalilanders: Somaliland is your beacon of stability, democracy, and progress in the Horn of Africa. We have built this nation from the ground up through sacrifice, resilience, and unwavering commitment to peace and the rule of law. Our future is bright, rooted in our rich resources and the determination of our people.
To the World: Look at Somaliland objectively. See the functioning democracy, the undeniable stability, the peaceful transitions of power, and the immense untapped economic potential. We are not seeking charity; we are seeking partnership and recognition based on facts and achievements. Somaliland is investment-friendly, resource-rich, stable, and democratic. We are ready to engage as an equal partner. The time for international recognition is now.
Addis Ababa, June 5, 2025 (ENA) – A successful diplomatic work that made the issue of Ethiopia’s access to the sea an international agenda has been carried out, Foreign Affairs Minister Gedion Timothewos told the House of People’s Representatives today.
Speaking during the 34th regular session of the House of People’s Representatives, the minister highlighted the progress made in bringing to the fore Ethiopia’s long-standing quest for access to the sea.
Gedion addressed wide ranging questions from citizen-centered diplomacy, to regional cooperation, and transnational security challenges during the session.
In his response, the minster noted that Ethiopia’s foreign policy is rooted in a principled strategy that prioritizes neighboring countries.
According to him, Ethiopia is actively collaborating with its neighbors in key areas such as infrastructure development, trade and investment as well as peace and security.
Elaborating on the outcomes of the citizen-focused diplomacy, he said that more than 92,000 Ethiopian nationals stranded in difficult conditions across Africa and the Middle East have been successfully repatriated over the past nine months.
He also pointed out Ethiopia’s continued engagement with regional powers and international partners to protect its national interests and address strategic imperatives.
Ethiopia’s diplomatic effort to gain access to sea has gained traction internationally, bolstered by the country’s role in promoting regional economic integration and stability in the Horn of Africa, a contribution that is increasingly acknowledged in global forums.
The foreign minister stressed that Ethiopia’s quest for access to sea would be pursued until fruition based on international laws and the principle of give and take.
In a significant diplomatic turnaround, Somalia has rescinded its ban on Taiwanese passport holders entering Somaliland, following intense pressure from the United States. The decision, influenced by the strategic importance of the Republic of Somaliland, comes after a U.S. Senate hearing where Senator Ted Cruz grilled a State Department official about China’s alleged proxy war in Somaliland, which had prompted Somalia to initially block Taiwanese officials from visiting Somaliland.
The ban, imposed in April 2025, was seen as a move driven by China’s efforts to undermine Taiwan’s diplomatic status in Africa. However, after the U.S. warned Somalia that such actions could jeopardize bilateral relations, the Somali government reversed its stance on Taiwanese passport holders.
This development underscores the complex interplay of international relations in the Horn of Africa, where China’s growing influence is met with counteractions from the U.S. and its allies.
A U.S. State Department official confirmed during the hearing that Somalia’s reversal was a direct result of American diplomatic intervention, highlighting ongoing geopolitical competition in the region. This incident also reflects broader tensions, as evidenced by a 2023 American Enterprise Institute report on China’s proxy activities in Somaliland, driven by competition over oil resources and strategic port investments.
As the situation develops, the international community will closely monitor how these diplomatic maneuvers shape the future of U.S.-China relations in Africa and the status of Taiwan’s diplomatic presence on the continent, with the Republic of Somaliland remaining a pivotal player in this geopolitical landscape
The country is a successful democracy that has reasserted its independence, and is pursuing peace and security, says Alun Michael
Give that Somaliland is such a beacon of democracy in Africa, your article seems to be unduly negative about the prospect of its recognition, saying that this will “infuriate” Somalia.
The former British Somaliland was given its independence in 1960 and chose to join with the former Italian Somaliland to form Somalia, while the former French Somaliland wisely chose to sit it out as Djibouti. Its reward, during the rule of the dictator Siad Barre, was death and destruction in the “hidden war”, a period when many were resettled to Britain (particularly Cardiff, where the first Somalis had arrived in the 1850s) from refugee camps, mainly in Ethiopia.
It is now 34 years since Somalilanders pushed back Barre’s army and reasserted its independence. Since then, we have seen several peaceful transitions from one president and party to another following elections.
In 2007, I led a UK parliamentary delegation, supported by the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, to Somaliland and we also visited the African Union in Addis Ababa to ask why it had not yet recognised Somaliland. The answer was that an internal report recommending recognition was gathering dust because some of its members feared that recognition might encourage breakaway provinces in other countries. But Somaliland is not a breakaway province – it’s a nation that reasserted its independence and has shown a capacity for building its own democratic institutions, pursuing peace and security, and fostering economic growth.
In the same period that Somaliland has been a successful democracy, Somalia (the residual south) has been a failed state. Why should those who currently run Somalia not be told to focus on imitating the peace, democracy, cohesion and economic success of Somaliland, instead of being encouraged in a land grab?
Understandably perhaps, Foreign Office officials are reluctant to recognise Somaliland before any nation in the region does so, but Britain should stand ready to come second with recognition. Or have we forgotten the enormous contribution made by soldiers from British Somaliland during the second world war and that of Somaliland’s seamen since the middle of the 19th century, as well as the contribution that Somalilanders make nowadays in the UK? Alun Michael MP for Cardiff South and Penarth (1987–2012); former chair, all-party parliamentary group for Somaliland and Somalia
