Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland | 18 February 2026 – The Government of the Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the recent remarks made by the President of the Republic of Türkiye. These statements constitute unacceptable interference in our national sovereignty and are clearly aimed at discouraging the development of constructive relations between Somaliland and our regional partners.
The Republic of Somaliland asserts that the foreign policy decisions of states in the Horn of Africa must be determined exclusively by the region’s own governments and peoples. It is imperative that external rivalries are not extended into our region in ways that risk undermining our shared stability and cooperation.
Elaboration on Turkish Interference in Somaliland’s Sovereignty
The recent remarks by the President of Türkiye constitute a multi-faceted act of interference in the internal and external affairs of the Republic of Somaliland. This interference is not merely a diplomatic disagreement; it is a direct challenge to Somaliland’s sovereign rights and a threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa region. The condemnation by the Somaliland government is rooted in the following key aspects:
- Discouraging Bilateral and Regional Relations
The core of Somaliland’s foreign policy is to build peaceful and cooperative relationships with regional and international partners. The Turkish President’s statements are specifically designed to undermine this sovereign right by actively discouraging other states from engaging with Somaliland. This constitutes interference by:
· Attempting to Isolate Somaliland: By pressuring regional partners to avoid relations with Somaliland, Türkiye is attempting to dictate who Somaliland can and cannot engage with, treating the nation not as an independent actor but as a subject of external control.
· Suppressing Sovereign Decision-Making: Türkiye’s actions directly violate the principle that foreign policy decisions must be made by the region’s own peoples by trying to coerce regional partners into making decisions that align with Ankara’s interests, rather than their own or the interests of regional stability.
- Projecting External Rivalries into the Horn of Africa
Somaliland’s statement warns against extending “external rivalries” into the region. This highlights how Türkiye is using its stance on Somaliland as a proxy for its own geopolitical ambitions, separate from the realities and needs of the Horn of Africa. This interference manifests as:
· Using Somaliland as a Geopolitical Pawn: Türkiye’s remarks are not made in the interest of regional peace but are a reflection of its broader strategic competition with other nations that have growing ties with Somaliland. By attacking Somaliland’s outreach, Türkiye is prioritizing its own rivalries over the region’s right to peaceful cooperation.
· Importing Conflict: This action risks importing tensions that do not originate in the Horn of Africa, thereby destabilizing a region that is actively working towards greater cooperation and mutual understanding.
- Undermining Regional Stability and Cooperation
Such interference risks undermining stability and cooperation, suggesting that Türkiye’s actions have tangible negative consequences:
· Creating Division: By attempting to drive a wedge between Somaliland and its partners, Türkiye is fostering division rather than unity. This directly undermines the collective effort required to address common regional challenges like security, economic development, and counter-terrorism.
· Inflaming Tensions: The Turkish President’s remarks are perceived not as neutral or constructive, but as inflammatory and provocative, capable of escalating disputes and disrupting the peaceful diplomatic environment Somaliland seeks to foster.
- Violation of Fundamental International Norms
Finally, the interference is framed as a breach of the foundational principles that govern relations between states:
· Non-Interference: This is the most direct violation. Türkiye is interfering in Somaliland’s pursuit of its national interest and its right to conduct foreign policy.
· Sovereign Decision-Making: By attacking Somaliland’s outreach and pursuit of recognition, Türkiye is challenging the very essence of Somaliland’s sovereignty—the right of its people and government to determine their own international status and future through peaceful, lawful, and democratic means.
Conclusion and Demand
We call on Türkiye to immediately refrain from taking positions that inflame regional tensions. We demand that they uphold the fundamental principles of mutual respect, non-interference in internal affairs, and respect for the sovereign decision-making of all nations.
Somaliland’s outreach to regional and international partners, as well as our peaceful pursuit of recognition, remain lawful and are firmly grounded in the democratic aspirations of our people. No external statement will deter us from this path.
