Recognizing Somaliland Would Be in The European Union’s Interest

I respectfully urge the European Union 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 European Union 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.

Advocates for the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland by the European Union argue that there are compelling democratic, security and legal reasons that support the position. The most frequent argument is that Somaliland is a “beacon of democracy” in a volatile region. Since 1991, it has established a functioning government, a constitution, its own currency, and a record of peaceful, multi-party elections and transfers of power.

Proponents argue that by refusing recognition, the European Union is effectively “penalizing” a stable democracy while pouring billions of euros into Somalia, which continues to struggle with civil war and Al-Shabaab insurgency. Recognizing Somaliland would align with the European Union stated mission of supporting human rights and democratic governance globally.

Somaliland sits along the Bab El-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints through which much of Europe’s trade passes. Somaliland has been highly effective at keeping Al-Shabaab out of its territory. Official recognition would allow for formal military and intelligence cooperation that is currently restricted. A recognized Somaliland could enter formal maritime treaties with the European Union to help police the Gulf of Aden more effectively.

A major hurdle for recognition in Africa is the African Union (AU) principle that the colonial era borders are sacrosanct to avoid “domino effect” of successionist movements. Supporters argue that Somaliland is not “seceding” in the traditional sense. It was a British protectorate that gained independence on June 26, 1960, and was recognized by over thirty countries including some current European Union members before it voluntarily joined with Italian Somalia five days later. Because it seeks to return to its original borders, advocates claim its recognition would not violate the African Union principle or set a dangerous precedent for other separatist groups.

Currently Somaliland can not access loans from the World Bank or IMF because it is not a recognized state. With massive investments from Dubai Ports World (United Arab Emirates) and the United Kingdom the port of Berbera is becoming a major trade hub for Ethiopia and the wider region. Formal recognition would allow European companies to invest with greater legal certainty and allow the European Union to incorporate Somaliland into its “Global Gateway” infrastructure strategy.

In addition to moral imperatives and the reasons listed above, recognition of the Republic of Somaliland would align with European Union’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 the European Union’s interests.

I urge the government of the European Union to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for the European Union 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 support democracy and self-determination and contribute to global peace and security.