CONFERENCE COMMUNIQUÉ
Conference on Somaliland
Columbus, Ohio | 2–3 January 2026
Preamble
The Somaliland Strategic Advisory Group (SL-SAG) convened a conference in
Columbus, Ohio, from 2 to 3 January 2026, bringing together representatives of the
Somaliland diaspora, policy experts, and civil society leaders to assess Somaliland’s
national journey, its rightful place in the international system, and the
responsibilities of regional and global actors in advancing peace, stability, and
justice in the Horn of Africa.
The conference:
- Recognizes the extraordinary resilience, perseverance, and sacrifices of the
people of Somaliland, who for more than thirty-five (35) years have endured
political exclusion, economic isolation, and security challenges, while successfully
building peace, democratic governance, and functioning state institutions through
their collective will and resources. -
Reaffirms the inalienable and non-negotiable right of the people of Somaliland to self-determination, as enshrined in the Charter of the United Nations and principles of international law, and affirms that Somaliland’s re-assertion of independence represents the legitimate and lawful expression of the will of its people.
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Congratulates the Government of the Republic of Somaliland for its steadfast
commitment to peace, security, democratic governance, and responsible diplomacy,
and commends its efforts to secure Somaliland’s first diplomatic recognition by a sovereign state, marking a historic milestone after decades of unjust exclusion from the international system. -
Commends the State of Israel for its historic, bold, and principled decision to
recognize the Republic of Somaliland, thereby ending thirty-five years of political
marginalization of the Somaliland people and setting an important precedent
grounded in realism, justice, and respect for democratic statehood. -
Calls upon the Federal Government of Somalia and the Republic of Djibouti to
immediately cease all forms of political, diplomatic, economic, and security
aggression against the people and institutions of Somaliland, and to respect
Somaliland’s peace, stability, and right to determine its own future without
intimidation, coercion, or interference. -
Strongly condemns statements and actions by the President of Somalia, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, that constitute incitement and war-mongering rhetoric, including explicit calls that risk emboldening terrorist organizations to attack Somaliland; affirms that the people of Somaliland did not elect him, do not recognize his authority, and do not recognize the Federal Government of Somalia; and underscores that such conduct undermines regional peace and security and is inconsistent with international obligations requiring political leaders to refrain from incitement to violence and the encouragement of terrorism.
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Recalls that Somaliland re-asserted its independence in 1991 as a direct
consequence of systematic atrocities, mass violence, and acts amounting to genocide committed by the former Somali state against the people of Somaliland, crimes that remain unresolved and which permanently nullified the moral and political basis for union. -
Urges all peace-loving nations, regional organizations, and international partners
to follow the precedent set by Israel by engaging Somaliland directly and extending diplomatic recognition based on Somaliland’s demonstrated record of peace, democratic governance, effective territorial control, and responsible statehood. calls that Somaliland re-asserted its independence in 1991 as a direct consequence of systematic atrocities, mass violence, and acts amounting to genocide committed by the former Somali state against the people of Somaliland, crimes that remain unresolved and which permanently nullified the moral and political basis for union.
9.Calls upon all Somalilanders, at home and throughout the diaspora, to unite
across political, and regional lines and to fully support the Government of
Somaliland’s efforts to secure the Republic’s rightful place within the community of nations through lawful, peaceful, and strategic engagement.
- Agrees to establish a Conference Committee mandated to identify, assess, and pursue lawful and legally grounded avenues to challenge and counter the e-visa regime imposed by Somalia on Somaliland travelers, including through the
examination of applicable international law, human rights norms, and available
judicial or administrative remedies.
Conclusion
The Conference affirms that Somaliland is not a problem to be managed, but a
solution to be embraced for regional stability, counterterrorism, democratic
governance, and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Issued by:
The Somaliland Strategic Advisory Group (SL-SAG)
