The letter is directed to the United Nations, the European Union, and the African Union in recognition of their influential roles in global governance, regional stability, and international recognition processes. It seeks to highlight Somaliland’s historical context, its long-standing self-governance since 1991, and its efforts to build democratic institutions, maintain peace, and contribute to regional security in the Horn of Africa.
It further emphasizes the role of the Somaliland diaspora in Europe as active participants in development through remittances, advocacy, investment, and civic engagement. The document aims to encourage constructive dialogue, increased international understanding, and consideration of Somaliland’s case within the framework of international law, self-determination, and African regional dynamics.
Ultimately, this open letter serves as both a call for attention and a request for meaningful engagement with Somaliland’s evolving political and developmental reality.
Subject: Recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and Legal Foundations of Somaliland’s Sovereignty.
We, the Somaliland Societies in Europe (SSE), representing Somaliland communities across European countries, write this open letter to express our deep concern regarding the continued lack of international recognition for the Republic of Somaliland and the ongoing interference and destabilization efforts directed against Somaliland by Somalia.
It is time for the international community to acknowledge the legitimacy of Somaliland’s statehood and nationhood. At the same time, the world must recognize the persistent political interference and hostile actions undertaken by Somalia against the Republic of Somaliland.
Although the Government of Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, and the people of Somaliland appreciate this step, many within the international community continue to overlook Somaliland’s achievements, democratic progress, and legitimate aspirations.
Somaliland’s Case for Recognition
Somaliland’s claim to international recognition rests upon four fundamental pillars:
- A Strong Juridical and Historical Case
Somaliland possesses a unique colonial history and a distinct national identity separate from Somalia.
- Fulfilment of the Criteria for Statehood
Somaliland meets the requirements established under the Montevideo Convention regarding permanent population, defined territory, effective government, and the capacity to engage in international relations.
- The Right to Self-Determination
The people of Somaliland have the legal and moral right to determine their own political future within the international order.
- Protection Against Mass Atrocities
The Isaaq genocide, including the destruction of Hargeisa and other cities during the Siyad Barre regime, remains one of the gravest tragedies in the Horn of Africa. The international community has a responsibility to ensure such atrocities are never repeated.
Somaliland’s Independence and Historical Background
Somaliland was a British Protectorate for 76 years, from 1884 until 26 June 1960, when it gained full independence from the United Kingdom as the State of Somaliland.
Following independence, Somaliland was recognized by more than 30 countries as a sovereign and independent state. However, driven by the political aspirations of Somali unity at the time, Somaliland entered into a union with Somalia shortly thereafter.
Importantly, this union lacked proper legal and constitutional foundations because:
* There was no formally ratified Act of Union;
* There was no valid parliamentary approval from both sides;
* There was no judicial or constitutional endorsement of the union;
* There was no United Nations resolution recognizing or formalizing the union.
After three decades of political marginalization, human rights abuses, and violent repression under the Somali regime, Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty in 1991 and restored the independence it had attained on 26 June 1960.
Legal Foundations of Somaliland’s Sovereignty
Somaliland’s sovereignty is grounded in several legal and historical facts, including:
* The London Constitutional Conference held from 4–12 May 1960 formally agreed upon Somaliland’s independence date of 26 June 1960;
* Her Majesty’s Government officially proclaimed Somaliland’s independence on 24 June 1960;
* Somaliland’s independence was published in official British records, including the London Gazette;
* Political independence of Somaliland was registered in court at Buckingham;
* International treaties concluded between Somaliland and the UK Government on 26 June 1960 — UK Treaty Series No. 44 (1960) — were submitted to the UK Parliament;
* International treaties between Somaliland and the United Kingdom were concluded and registered with the United Nations in 1960;
* Somaliland’s borders correspond to those of the former British Somaliland Protectorate and therefore comply with the African Union principle of uti possidetis, which preserves inherited colonial boundaries (Act of the African Union (Session in Cairo, UAR, from 17 to 21 July 1964).)
* African Union Fact-Finding Mission to Somaliland (30 April to 4 May 2005): The fact that the “union between Somaliland and Somalia was never ratified” and also malfunctioned when it went into action from 1960 to 1990 makes Somaliland’s search for recognition historically unique and self-justified in African political history.
Somaliland and the Montevideo Convention.
Somaliland satisfies all internationally accepted criteria for statehood under the Montevideo Convention:
* A permanent population;
* A defined territory;
* An effective government;
* The capacity to enter into relations with other states.
For more than three decades, Somaliland has maintained peace, stability, democratic governance, and functioning state institutions without international recognition.
Somaliland’s Democratic and Strategic Importance
Despite limited international support, Somaliland has achieved remarkable progress:
* Somaliland has established democratic institutions and conducted peaceful elections;
* Somaliland contributes significantly to regional and international security through efforts against terrorism, piracy, and organized crime;
* Somaliland occupies a strategically important location along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea maritime corridor;
* Somaliland remains one of the most stable and peaceful territories in the Horn of Africa.
In contrast, Somalia continues to face severe internal instability and governance challenges despite receiving extensive international financial and military assistance.
Our Message to the International Community
We respectfully call upon international stakeholders to:
- Recognize the reality that Somalia exercises neither de facto jurisdiction nor legitimate legal authority over Somaliland, and therefore should not interfere in Somaliland’s internal political affairs.
- Acknowledge that continued attempts to undermine Somaliland’s peace, stability, and economic progress threaten not only Somaliland itself, but also the wider security of the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden region.
Conclusion
The people of Somaliland have demonstrated resilience, democratic commitment, and responsible governance for more than thirty years. Somaliland has rebuilt its nation from devastation without substantial international assistance.
We therefore urge the United Nations, the European Union, the African Union, and all international partners to engage constructively with Somaliland and to seriously consider Somaliland’s legitimate claim to international recognition.
Yours sincerely,
Executive Committee
Somaliland Societies in Europe (SSE)
Contact: Whatsapp: +41 76 369 25 69
Email: mohamedduale@sseurop.com and abdullahiyusuf@sseurop.com .
