Recognizing Somaliland Would Be in Ethiopia’s Interest

I respectfully urge the Government of the Federal Republic of Ethiopia to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state within its 1960 borders.

The Republic of Somaliland is in the Horn of Africa, along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden. Its borders are Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. Somaliland covers an area of about 176,120 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 6.2 million as of 2024. Its capital is Hargeisa. The country has a coastline of approximately 850 kilometers on the Red Sea.

Somaliland became a British Protectorate in 1884 and declared independence on June 26, 1960, gaining recognition from thirty-five countries. Soon after, it voluntarily united with Somalia to form the Somali Republic, though this union was never legally ratified. In a 1961 referendum, most Somalilanders opposed unification. The absence of a binding treaty and years of political and economic marginalization led to ongoing grievances in Somaliland.

During the 1980s, conditions grew unbearable under Siad Barre’s harsh regime, which was notorious for severe human rights abuses. Many civilians lost their lives, especially in Hargeisa, which was devastated to such an extent that it became known as “Africa’s Dresden.”  Entire communities were eliminated, and a massive portion of the population was forced to seek refuge in neighboring Ethiopia. In May 1991, Somaliland reasserted its independence during the Burao Conference.

Since reclaiming its independence in 1991, Somaliland has made remarkable progress in establishing a functioning democracy characterized by peaceful transitions of power. The nation has developed its own independent judiciary, a bicameral parliament, and a stable executive branch capable of governance. Moreover, Somaliland has created a robust security apparatus that not only maintains territorial integrity but has also successfully kept extremist insurgencies, including Al-Shabaab, at bay. This commitment to stability and governance has earned Somaliland the status as a rare beacon of democratic values in a region marred by conflict.

Somaliland has established important partnerships with democratic states fostering relationships based on mutual benefit and cooperation. Currently The Republic of Somaliland has diplomatic relations with the State of Israel, after that country became the first United Nations member to recognize Somaliland on December 26, 2025. It has developed a strong relationship with Taiwan, based on shared values and principles. Somaliland also maintains strategic ties with Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States.

A milestone in Somaliland’s economic development is the $442 million investment from Dubai Port World in the Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor project. This initiative significantly improved regional connectivity with Ethiopia, highlighting Somaliland’s potential as a crucial economic hub in East Africa.

Moreover, Somaliland plays an indispensable role in securing the Gulf of Aden, actively combating piracy and extremism while contributing to international maritime security. Given its importance, this region plays a significant role in global geopolitics, especially since any rise in threats could disrupt vital shipping lanes that link key international markets.

Somaliland meets the Montevideo Convention criteria for statehood, which encompass the presence of a permanent population, defined territory, governance structures, and the capacity to engage in foreign relations. Formal recognition by the Ethiopia would reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. Furthermore, this recognition would contribute to enhanced regional security in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden, acting as a counterbalance to destabilizing influences, including terrorism and external powers that seek to exploit the region’s vulnerabilities.

For Ethiopia, the most compelling argument for recognition of the Republic of Somaliland is access to the sea. Since Eritrea’s independence in 1993, Ethiopia has been the world’s most populous landlocked country. Currently Ethiopia relies on Djibouti for over 95% of its maritime trade, paying an estimated 1.5 to 2 billion dollars annually in port fees. Recognizing Somaliland would allow Ethiopia to use the port of Berbera, reducing this dependency.

The 2024 MoU includes a 50-year lease of a twenty kilometres stretch of coastline which would allow Ethiopia to establish a naval base, reestablishing its presence in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. Ethiopia could receive a stake in Somaliland’s infrastructure, while Somaliland would receive shares in state-owned giants like Ethiopian Airlines.

Proponents argue that Somaliland has “earned” its place as a sovereign state through over thirty years of de Facto independence. Unlike the Federal Government of Somalia which has struggled with instability and Al-Shabaab, Somaliland has maintained a stable government, its own currency, a military, and has held multiple peaceful democratic elections.

If Ethiopia becomes the second major nation to recognize the Republic of Somaliland after Israel, it will establish itself as the region’s main power broker. Recognition by Ethiopia could trigger a “cascade” effect where other nations like Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, other African, Asian, and Western countries might follow, with Ethiopia having already secured the best terms for trade and military access.

Supporters argue the Republic of Somaliland is not a typical “successionist” movement but has dissolved a failed 1960 union between two former colonial territories -British Somaliland and Italian Somalia-.

Ethiopia and Somaliland already cooperate closely on counterterrorism and border security. Formal recognition would solidify this partnership against regional threats. Somaliland sits along the Bab El-Mandeb strait, one of the world’s most critical shipping chokepoints. Formal recognition would allow for deeper military and naval cooperation to protect global trade routes from threats like the Houthi rebels or piracy.

Significant Emirati investment has turned the Port of Berbera into a major regional hub. Recognition would unlock Somaliland’s access to international financial institutions like the IMF and World Bank, facilitating more international investment in its untapped oil, gas, and mineral reserves. With other nations like Israel which recognized Somaliland as a sovereign and independent country on December 26, 2025, proponents argue that Ethiopia risks losing its status as regional power if it does not act fast and recognize the Republic of Somaliland.

In the past, Ethiopia has practiced a policy of strategic ambiguity. While the MoU signaled an intent to recognize Somaliland in exchange for sea access, Ethiopia has moved cautiously to avoid conflict with Somalia and isolation from the African Union. Recent moves by other international players, such as Israel’s recognition and engagement with Somaliland plus other major powers in the pipeline are putting further pressure on Ethiopia to finalize its stance and recognize the Republic of Somaliland.

In addition to moral imperatives and the reasons listed above, recognition of the Republic of Somaliland would align with Ethiopia’s economic and strategic interests by fostering a partnership with a stable and democratic ally in a pivotal region. This collaboration could open pathways for trade, investment, and shared initiatives that benefit both nations.

Failing to recognize Somaliland perpetuates its diplomatic isolation, which poses a significant risk of creating a vacuum that extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and the Houthis may exploit. Given Somaliland’s vital location near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait—a critical global shipping lane—instability in this region could have dire consequences, endangering international trade, compromising global security, and adversely impacting Ethiopia’s interests.

I urge the government of the Ethiopia to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for the Ethiopia to recognize the Republic of Somaliland and support its rightful place among the community of nations. Such Recognition would not only honor the sacrifices of the Somaliland people but also uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and self-determination that contributes to global peace and security.