Recognizing Somaliland Would Be in the United Kingdom’s Interest

I respectfully urge the Government of the United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom 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.

Unlike most breakaway regions, Somaliland was an independent state. The country became independent from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, and within five days had received recognition from thirty-five nations—including the United Kingdom and the United States—before voluntarily uniting with the former Italian Somalia. Proponents argue that since the union was voluntary, never ratified and later collapsed into civil war and genocide – the Isaaq genocide – Somaliland has the right to revert to its original 1960 borders. Recognizing Somaliland would not violate the African Union’s principle of “inviolability of colonial borders,” as Somaliland’s claim is based exactly on its 1884 colonial boundaries.

 In a region often defined by volatility, Somaliland is frequently cited as a “beacon of democracy.” Since 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own military, currency, and passport system, and has held multiple peaceful, multi-party elections with smooth transitions of power. While the Federal Government of Somalia has struggled with the insurgency of Al-Shabaab, Somaliland has remained stable and has been a dependable partner in counterterrorism and anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden.

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 British and 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 British 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, and Ethiopia moving closer to formal ties, proponents argue the United Kingdom risks losing its “historic influence” in its former protectorate if it does not act first.

The United Kingdom is home to one of the largest and most politically active Somaliland diaspora communities in Europe notably in Cardiff, London, and Sheffield. This creates domestic political pressure on British MPs to support the Country. Some argue that it is inconsistent to promote “democracy and the rule of law” while the United Kingdom does not recognize a state that has achieved both on its own yet continues to give significant financial aid to the less stable government in Mogadishu.

In addition to moral imperatives and the reasons listed above, recognition of Somaliland would align with the United Kingdom 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 United Kingdom interests.

I urge the government of the United Kingdom to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for the United Kingdom 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.