Recognizing Somaliland Would Be in Türkiye’s Interest

I respectfully urge the Government of Türkiye 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 Türkiye. 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 Türkiye 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.

The question of whether Türkiye should recognize Somaliland is a complex geopolitical issue. While Türkiye currently remains one of Somalia’s staunchest allies—adamantly supporting the “One Somalia” policy—there are several strategic, economic, and humanitarian arguments often cited by proponents of recognition of the Republic of Somaliland. Below are the primary reasons why Türkiye must consider recognizing Somaliland, contrasted with its current strategic commitments.

In a region often defined by volatility, Somaliland has maintained a remarkably stable de facto independence since 1991. Unlike many of its neighbors, Somaliland has held multiple peaceful, multi-party elections and transfers of power most recently in late 2024. Somaliland has effectively kept Al-Shabaab and other extremist groups at bay, creating a “security oasis” in the Horn of Africa. Recognition would allow Türkiye to partner directly with a proven security actor.

The geopolitical landscape changed significantly in December 2025, when Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland. With Israel establishing a foothold in Hargeisa, Türkiye faces the risk of being “boxed out” of the Gulf of Aden. Recognizing the Republic of Somaliland would allow Türkiye to maintain its influence and prevent rivals from monopolizing strategic maritime routes. Somaliland’s coastline along the Bab El-Mandeb strait is critical for global trade. Türkiye already has a major presence in Mogadishu; a similar presence in Berbera would cement Türkiye as the dominant external power across the entire Somali coast.

Türkiye’s economic interests in the Horn are currently tied to the Mogadishu Port and Airport. The Port of Berbera developed by Dubai Ports World and Ethiopia is becoming a major trade hub. Recognition would allow Turkish firms to compete for infrastructure, energy, and logistics contracts in a rapidly growing market without needing approval from Mogadishu. The Republic of Somaliland has significant untapped hydrocarbon potential. Formal ties would provide a legal framework for Turkish energy companies to engage in exploration.

Türkiye has historically functioned as a mediator between Hargeisa and Mogadishu notably the 2013 Istanbul talks. Proponents argue that by recognizing the Republic of Somaliland, Türkiye could lead a “remedial and friendly divorce” framework that provides a blueprint for peaceful separation, rather than letting the dispute simmer indefinitely. This would bolster Türkiye’s image as a sophisticated global diplomat.

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

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