By Jama Ayaanle Feyte – Journalist, Horn of Africa Security Expert and Political Analyst
THE HAGUE, Aug 24 – A Somali activist staged a solitary protest outside the International Court of Justice on Monday, distributing pamphlets that called for international recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
Shiine Culay, who described himself as a private citizen acting without organisational backing, stood outside the Peace Palace in The Hague and handed out hundreds of printed messages urging the global community to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.
“I came to the International Court of Justice alone, as a citizen with no one directing me, to demonstrate and show the world that we have a legitimate right to international recognition,” Culay told Bakayle Media, a Somali news outlet.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime. It has since maintained relative stability, held multiple democratic elections, and developed functioning state institutions. However, no United Nations member state has formally recognised its independence.
Culay also addressed ongoing tensions in the Sool region, particularly around the city of Las Anod, which has seen clashes between Somaliland forces and local militias aligned with Somalia’s federal government.
“Firdhiye is coming back—just like the parliamentarians who elected him,” Culay said, in an apparent reference to political figures in Mogadishu. “As for Hassan’s self-proclaimed administration in Las Anod, their anger is fading away.”
He rejected characterisations of Somaliland’s secession as a clan-based movement.
“Somaliland is a nation, not a clan,” he said. “There is no Harti man who outranks me in loyalty; I am the one who supports Somaliland.” Culay belongs to the Harti clan family, which has branches across both Somaliland and Somalia.
The International Court of Justice handles disputes between sovereign states and does not adjudicate unilateral declarations of independence. Culay’s choice of venue was symbolic rather than procedural.
Somaliland’s push for recognition has gained renewed attention after Ethiopia signed a memorandum of understanding with the region in January, granting Addis Ababa access to a naval base in exchange for potential future diplomatic recognition. Somalia’s federal government condemned the deal as a violation of its territorial integrity.
The African Union has maintained a policy of respecting colonial-era borders, which has been a key obstacle to Somaliland’s recognition bid.
Culay’s protest drew no immediate response from the ICJ or the Dutch authorities. It was unclear whether his demonstration would have any impact on diplomatic discussions regarding Somaliland’s status.
The activist said he planned no further actions at this time.
About the Author: Jama Ayaanle Feyte is a distinguished journalist, a specialist in Horn of Africa security dynamics, and a political analyst whose work focuses on governance, conflict resolution, and regional integration.
