By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin, Hargeisa, Somaliland
In a deliberate and strategic departure from tradition, Somaliland’s newly elected President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Ciro has chosen the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the destination for his inaugural foreign visit. This decision, bypassing the customary first destinations of Ethiopia or Djibouti, signals a recalibration of Somaliland’s foreign policy priorities, reflecting a deeper understanding of the geopolitical and economic realities shaping the Horn of Africa.
The UAE is not just an ally but a cornerstone of Somaliland’s economic aspirations. The $442 million investment by DP World in the Port of Berbera has transformed Somaliland’s economic landscape. What was once a modest port now serves as a critical trade gateway connecting the Horn of Africa to global markets, particularly the Middle East and Asia. President Ciro’s decision to engage with the UAE early in his tenure underscores the importance of cementing this partnership.
The UAE’s economic influence extends beyond the port. Through its investments in infrastructure, trade corridors, and potential development projects such as free zones and energy sectors, the UAE has positioned itself as a key driver of Somaliland’s economic growth. By prioritizing a visit to the UAE, President Ciro is not only reinforcing existing partnerships but also signaling to other potential investors that Somaliland is open for business. This move could pave the way for diversified investments, boosting sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, and renewable energy.
Somaliland’s geographic location along the Gulf of Aden places it at the heart of one of the world’s most strategic waterways. The UAE has long recognized Somaliland’s value in maintaining regional security, particularly in combating piracy, terrorism, and arms smuggling. President Ciro’s visit to the UAE can be seen as a reaffirmation of Somaliland’s commitment to being a reliable partner in ensuring maritime security in the region.
In addition, the UAE’s influence in regional security and its military presence in strategic locations, including its use of Berbera’s port facilities, aligns with Somaliland’s ambitions to be recognized as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa. Strengthening ties with the UAE could also open doors for Somaliland to engage in broader security initiatives, potentially elevating its standing with international stakeholders, including the United States and European Union.
Unlike Ethiopia and Djibouti, whose relationships with Somaliland are primarily shaped by geographical proximity and historical ties, the UAE offers something more significant: global reach. The UAE’s extensive diplomatic network and influence in international institutions provide Somaliland with an indirect but powerful avenue to advocate for its recognition.
The UAE’s growing ties with influential countries, including the United States and Saudi Arabia and its role in global trade and energy markets position it as a valuable ally in Somaliland’s quest for international legitimacy. By cultivating deeper ties with the UAE, President Ciro is strategically aligning Somaliland with a nation that has the means and motivation to advocate for its recognition on the global stage.
Critics may argue that bypassing Ethiopia and Djibouti could strain relations with neighbors that have traditionally been Somaliland’s closest allies. However, President Ciro’s choice reflects a broader vision of diversifying alliances. Ethiopia’s internal challenges and Djibouti’s heavy reliance on Chinese investments make the UAE and Taiwan a more stable and influential partner for Somaliland’s immediate and long-term goals.
Furthermore, Somaliland’s outreach to the UAE does not preclude strong relations with Ethiopia and Djibouti. Instead, it signals a maturing foreign policy that seeks to balance regional and global partnerships. By starting with the UAE, President Ciro is setting the stage for a more dynamic and multi-faceted approach to diplomacy, one that prioritizes economic growth and international recognition over traditional, symbolic gestures.
President Ciro’s decision to make the UAE his first official foreign visit is more than a symbolic gesture—it is a calculated move that reflects a deeper understanding of Somaliland’s priorities and potential. By strengthening ties with a key economic and strategic partner, Somaliland is positioning itself as a forward-looking nation ready to take its place on the global stage.
This bold choice underscores Somaliland’s commitment to leveraging its unique geographic and economic advantages to achieve its ultimate goal: international recognition. While the road ahead remains challenging, President Ciro’s strategic recalibration of regional alliances may well prove to be the turning point in Somaliland’s journey toward global legitimacy.