Recognizing Somaliland would be in Sweden’s Interest
I respectfully urge the Government of Sweden 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 Sweden 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 Sweden, to reconsider their stance.
The question of whether Sweden should recognize Somaliland is a major topic in international diplomacy, especially given Sweden’s traditional role as a “standard-bearer” for human rights and democracy. Proponents argue that Somaliland has met all the legal and functional requirements of statehood, while the Swedish government officially maintains a policy of supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity. Below are the primary reasons often cited by advocates, experts, and Swedish politicians such as those in the Riksdag for why Sweden should extend formal recognition to the Republic of Somaliland:
Under international law, specifically the Montevideo Convention, a state must possess four qualifications: A permanent population, a defined territory, a functioning government, the capacity to enter relations with other states. Advocates point out that Somaliland has successfully maintained all four since 1991. It has its own currency the Somaliland shilling, passports, military, and flag, operating as a de facto independent state for over 30 years.
Despite regional instability, Somaliland has built a stable democracy. It has held multiple competitive, multi-party elections with peaceful transfers of power, most recently the 2024 presidential election won by the opposition candidate. It uses a unique hybrid governance model that combines Western-style democracy with traditional clan-based elder councils (the Guurti), which has successfully prevented the type of civil collapse seen in Somalia.
Recognizing Somaliland could strengthen regional security. Somaliland has been highly effective at keeping extremist groups like Al-Shabaab out of its borders. Located along the Gulf of Aden and the Bab El-Mandeb Strait—one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes—Somaliland is a crucial partner in anti-piracy efforts. Formal recognition would allow Sweden and the European Union to enter official military and intelligence-sharing treaties, which are currently restricted due to Somaliland’s “unrecognized” status.
Sweden famously became the first European Union member state to recognize the State of Palestine in 2014. Supporters of Somaliland argue that for Sweden to be consistent in its “feminist foreign policy” and support for self-determination, it should reward a peaceful, democratic entity rather than strictly adhering to African Union’s cynical position.
Somaliland is currently unable to access loans from the World Bank or IMF because it is not a recognized sovereign state. Recognition would provide legal certainty for Swedish and European companies to invest in major projects like the Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor. It would allow for direct bilateral aid rather than going through the federal government in Mogadishu, which often struggles with distribution to the north including the Republic of Somaliland.
In addition to moral imperatives, recognition of Somaliland would align with Sweden’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 Sweden’s interests.
I urge the government of Sweden to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for Sweden 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.
