Recognizing Somaliland would be in France’s Interest
I respectfully urge the Government of France 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.
The situation became intolerable in the 1980s under the oppressive regime of Siad Barre, which was marked by egregious human rights violations. Thousands of civilians were killed, particularly in Hargeisa, which tragically earned the nickname “Africa’s Dresden” for the level of destruction inflicted upon it. Entire communities were massacred, 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 Nation’s 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. Its geopolitical significance cannot be overstated, considering the potential for increased threats to maritime routes that connect crucial global 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 France 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.
In late 2025, The State of Israel established full diplomatic relations with the Republic of Somaliland, and Ethiopia has also signed agreements for port access in exchange for potential recognition. These moves have increased the pressure on other democratic nations, including France, to reconsider their stance.
The question of French recognition for Somaliland is a complex intersection of post-colonial history, maritime security, and shifting Horn of Africa alliances. While France currently maintains a “One Somalia” policy, several strategic arguments have emerged in French political circles for a policy shift. Here are the primary reasons why some argue France should recognize Somaliland:
The Gulf of Aden is a vital artery for French and European trade. With a major military base already in Djibouti, France has a vested interest in the stability of the Bab El-Mandeb strait. Somaliland’s Coast Guard is highly effective at securing its 850km coastline without international funding. Official recognition would allow for direct military cooperation and intelligence sharing. Relying solely on Djibouti—which hosts numerous competing foreign bases (China, US, Japan)—is a bottleneck risk. An independent Somaliland offers the Port of Berbera as a stable, democratic alternative.
France often styles its foreign policy around the support of democratic values. Since 1991, Somaliland has held multiple peaceful, one-person-one-vote elections and transitions of power. Proponents argue that rewarding Somaliland’s internal stability could serve as a model for the region, rather than keeping it “hostage” to the ongoing instability in Mogadishu.
France is looking to expand its economic footprint in East Africa, and Somaliland presents untapped opportunities. Major French firms like CMA CGM and Bolloré have expressed interest in the Berbera Corridor. Formal recognition would provide the legal protections and insurance guarantees needed for large-scale French investment. France already supports Somaliland’s livestock sector through the French Development Agency (AFD); formal ties would streamline these development projects.
Somaliland’s case is unique because it is not technically a “secessionist” movement in the traditional sense. Somaliland was a British Protectorate that gained independence on June 26, 1960, and was recognized by over thirty countries including UN Security Council members before it voluntarily joined Italian Somalia. Legally, Hargeisa argues they are simply dissolving a failed union, much like the former Soviet Union or former Yugoslavia, rather than carving out new borders.
The Horn of Africa is a theater for “great power” competition. Türkiye and Qatar have deep ties with the Somali Federal Government. By recognizing Somaliland, France could establish a unique sphere of influence alongside the United Arab Emirates, Israel, and Ethiopia. Somaliland has shown a rare willingness to resist Chinese pressure by notably by establishing ties with Taiwan. This aligns with broader Western interests in limiting Chinese expansion in African maritime hubs.
In addition to moral imperatives, recognition of Somaliland would align with France’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 France’s interests.
I urge the government of France to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for France 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 contribute to global peace and security.