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Somaliland Recognition: A Pillar for Stability and Development in the Horn of Africa
By Mohamed Abdi Jama (Mohamed Dhimbiil)
The Horn of Africa is one of the world’s most strategic yet fragile regions. It connects Africa, the Middle East, and global maritime trade routes through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Chronic instability, state collapse, terrorism, piracy, and humanitarian crises have long undermined regional progress. In this complex environment, the international recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is not merely a symbolic act—it is a practical and strategic necessity for stability, security, and development in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland: A Proven State in Practice
Since restoring its sovereignty in 1991, following the collapse of the Somali Republic, Somaliland has built functioning state institutions from the ground up. It has established a constitution approved by popular referendum, conducted multiple peaceful and competitive elections, maintained internal security, and upheld relative political stability for over three decades.
Unlike many conflict-affected states in the region, Somaliland has demonstrated:
● Effective territorial control
A functioning government and judiciary.
● A professional security apparatus.
● Peaceful transfer of power through elections.
● Strong community-based reconciliation mechanisms
Under international law, these are the core attributes of statehood.
Recognition would therefore acknowledge an existing reality, not create a new one.
Regional Security and Counterterrorism
The Horn of Africa faces persistent threats from terrorism, piracy, arms trafficking, and organized crime. Somaliland has been a reliable security partner in combating these threats, particularly along the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea corridor.
Recognition would:
▪︎ Strengthen intelligence-sharing and security cooperation.
▪︎ Enhance maritime security along one of the world’s busiest shipping lines.
▪︎ Support regional and international efforts against extremist networks.
▪︎ Reduce ungoverned spaces that fuel insecurity.
A recognized Somaliland would be better positioned to formally cooperate with regional blocs, neighboring states, and global security frameworks.
Economic Development and Regional Integration
Somaliland occupies a strategic economic position, with access to key ports such as Berbera, which serves not only Somaliland but also landlocked Ethiopia and the wider region. International recognition would unlock economic opportunities that are currently constrained by Somaliland’s unrecognized status.
Key benefits include:
■ Increased foreign direct investment.
■ Access to international financial institutions.
■ Expansion of trade and logistics networks.
■ Job creation and infrastructure development.
Stronger regional economic integration
Recognition would allow Somaliland to fully participate in international trade, finance, and development programs, contributing to regional prosperity rather than dependency.
Reducing Regional Tensions
The unresolved status of Somaliland has often been exploited by political actors, creating unnecessary diplomatic friction and ambiguity.
Recognition would clarify legal and political realities, reduce disputes, and establish predictable state-to-state relations in the Horn of Africa.
A clear and lawful settlement of Somaliland’s status would:
○Encourage peaceful conflict resolution.
○Set a positive precedent for respecting historical and legal realities.
○Promote stability through clarity, not ambiguity.
○A Moral and Legal Responsibility
Somaliland’s case is unique.
It is not a secessionist project but a restoration of sovereignty based on colonial borders, voluntary union, and subsequent withdrawal after state collapse and mass atrocities and genocidal actions committed against its population.
Recognizing Somaliland aligns with:
◇The principles of self-determination.
◇The African Union’s emphasis on peace and stability.
◇International law’s criteria for statehood.
◇The global interest in preventing state failure.
Finally
The recognition of Somaliland is not only a right long denied to its people it is a strategic investment in the future of the Horn of Africa. Stability, security, development, and cooperation are more achievable with Somaliland recognized as a full and equal member of the international community.
In a region where instability has been the norm, Somaliland stands as a rare success story. Recognizing it would reinforce what works, rather than perpetuate policies that have failed. For the Horn of Africa to move forward, the world must acknowledge reality and that reality is the Republic of Somaliland.
Mohamed Abdi Jama
( Mohamed Dhimbiil)
Hargeisa, Republic of Somaliland
Mohamed Dhimbiil <[email protected]>
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