Recognizing Somaliland Would Be in Saudi Arabia’s Interest
I respectfully urge the Government of Saudi Arabia 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 Saudi Arabia. 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 Saudi Arabia 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 recent months, the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa has shifted dramatically. While Saudi Arabia has historically championed the territorial integrity of Somalia, several strategic, economic, and security-driven arguments have emerged in favor of a policy shift regarding Somaliland. As of January 2026, the discussion is particularly urgent following Israel’s formal recognition of The Republic of Somaliland on December 26, 2025—a move that has forced regional powers to reconsider their stances to avoid a “strategic vacuum.”
Somaliland occupies 850 kilometers of coastline along the Gulf of Aden, leading to the Bab al-Mandab Strait. A stable, recognized Somaliland can serve as a dependable partner in securing the Red Sea, which is vital for Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Neom project. With the Houthis in Yemen remaining a persistent threat, Saudi Arabia could benefit from formalizing security ties with Somaliland to monitor maritime traffic and prevent arms smuggling across the Gulf of Aden.
The “recognition race” in the Horn of Africa has become a theater for competition: The United Arab Emirates has already invested heavily in the Port of Berbera. By recognizing Somaliland, Saudi Arabia could ensure it is not sidelined by Emirati influence in a region so close to its borders. Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland has created a new reality. If Saudi Arabia remains non-committal, it risks allowing Israel and other non-Arab actors to dictate the security architecture of the southern Red Sea. As Türkiye expands its military presence in Mogadishu Somalia, recognizing Hargeisa Somaliland, offers Riyadh a different lever of influence in the Horn.
Saudi Arabia is the largest market for Somaliland’s livestock. Formal recognition would streamline trade, health inspections, and banking, securing a critical food supply chain for the Kingdom. Recognition would allow Saudi sovereign wealth funds to compete for major infrastructure projects including ports, airports, and energy that are currently dominated by Dubai Ports World, United Arab Emirates, and other international investors.
Somaliland has maintained a functional, democratic government with regular elections for over 30 years, in stark contrast to the persistent instability in Mogadishu. Recognizing a state that has already proven its ability to govern and fight terrorism, Al-Shabaab provides Saudi Arabia with a more predictable and stable partner than the fragmented Federal Government of Somalia.
It is important to note that as of January 13, 2026, the Saudi Cabinet reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity. However, many analysts suggest this is a tactical position. The “pro-recognition” camp argues that by formalizing ties, Saudi Arabia could function as a mediator to manage a “peaceful divorce” between Somalia and Somaliland, preventing a chaotic conflict that would destabilize the entire Red Sea.
In addition to moral imperatives and the reasons listed above, recognition of the Republic of Somaliland would align with Saudi Arabia’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 Saudi Arabia’s interests.
I urge the government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to take a principled stance. The moment as arrived for the Saudi Arabia 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 play a vital role in promoting global peace and security.
