Somaliland, as is widely acknowledged, attained international recognition on 26 June 1960 as an independent state, separate and distinct from Italian Somalia. This historical fact has gained renewed significance today, as extensive debates and legal reviews have increasingly revisited Somaliland’s case for rightful representation, including its legitimate claim to a seat at the United Nations. These discussions are grounded in a careful re-examination of Somaliland’s historical trajectory, internationally recognized borders and documented legal records that affirm its prior sovereign status.
The subsequent union that formed the Somali Republic was initiated by Somaliland, driven by a spirit of pan-Somali unity, goodwill and a deep sense of Somali nationalism, alongside the aspiration to unite the five Somali territories sharing a common ethnic and cultural identity. However, this voluntary union failed to materialize into an equitable partnership. Instead, it culminated in widespread marginalization, systematic violence, mass killings and profound atrocities, including documented acts of genocide that left behind mass graves and enduring collective trauma.
As a result of these grave injustices and the complete collapse of the union’s foundational principles, The collapse of the Somali Republic into a federal system marked the definitive end of a failed political experiment. Through a clear and overwhelming democratic mandate, approximately 97 percent in the 1997 referendum, the people of Somaliland rejected any return to union with former Italian Somalia. On 18 May 1991, Somaliland lawfully reasserted the sovereignty it had voluntarily surrendered in 1960 and has since operated as an independent state for over thirty-four years, fully meeting the internationally recognized criteria for statehood as defined by international law.
Somaliland exercised its inherent right to self-determination and formally withdrew from the union, reclaiming the sovereignty it had voluntarily relinquished in 1960. This decision was not an act of secession, but rather a lawful restoration of an independence that had been previously recognized and unjustly lost. Today, this historical and legal reality forms the cornerstone of Somaliland’s renewed claim to international recognition, grounded in international law, historical precedent and the clear will of its people.
As of 26 December 2025, the government of Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. However, there’s active international discussion and speculation about which other countries might follow, based on strategic interests, diplomatic engagement and existing unofficial relations.
Here are five countries widely expected and considered likely to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state marking it as the 55th independent nation in Africa.
This anticipated recognition reflects Somaliland’s more than three decades of effective self-governance, long-standing political stability and firmly established democratic institutions, demonstrated through credible, peaceful and competitive elections. This further acknowledges Somaliland’s strategic geoeconomic, geographic and geopolitical significance, its pivotal maritime position along the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden and the growing international interests anchored in these realities.
As international actors increasingly reassess facts on the ground, Somaliland’s proven contribution to regional stability, maritime security and the protection of vital global trade routes has become an undeniable factor shaping this evolving recognition landscape.
Among the countries anticipated to extend formal recognition to Somaliland in the near future are:
• Ethiopia has long-standing cooperation with Somaliland, that could pave the way for recognition in exchange for access to the Red Sea via Berbera port.
• United Arab Emirates (UAE) has major economic and port investments in Somaliland (including DP World’s role at Berbera) and strategic interests in Red Sea security, making recognition a strong possibility.
• The United States (USA) is a key player behind the unfolding process of Somaliland’s recognition, strategically guiding and observing the developments which is closely linked to regional security interests, strategic considerations and Somaliland’s pivotal geographic position along the Red Sea and the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, one of the world’s most critical maritime corridors connecting Asia, Europe and the continent of America. With these factors given, Somaliland emerges as a vital partner for maritime security, regional stability and safeguarding of global trade route and that why United States acts as a strategic partner of Somaliland, working to promote regional stability and to counter the influence of other powers.
• Kenya, Kenya’s growing economic footprint and security interests in the Horn of Africa, coupled with its sustained diplomatic and institutional engagement with Somaliland, are widely interpreted by analysts as deliberate steps that could pave the way toward eventual formal recognition, particularly in the context of regional stability and counterterrorism cooperation.
• Saudi Arabia, though not yet made a formal commitment, its strong interest in securing safe and uninterrupted maritime trade routes through the Red Sea, combined with its broader strategic alignment with Gulf partners and regional security priorities could serve as a significant motivating factor for a future recognition of Somaliland
The thirty-five countries that recognised Somaliland in 1960 are also widely expected to extend full and renewed recognition to the Republic of Somaliland in the near future. This expectation is driven by strategic considerations related to Somaliland’s geographic position, its location along the Red Sea maritime corridor and the critical importance of the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait. These factors combined with security imperatives and growing economic interests, make Somaliland increasingly relevant to regional stability, global trade and international economic and security agendas.
It is also expected that a number of countries from Africa, as well as Taiwan and Turkey, which have previously maintained consular or representative offices in Somaliland, may move, finally, toward deeper diplomatic engagement, potentially paving the way for future formal recognition.
The recognition of Somaliland is first and foremost thanks to Almighty Allah, the great, who has guided and supported His servants in due course of formal recognition. Secondly, We also extend profound thanks and deepest gratitude to the President of the republic of Somaliland, His Excellency Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Cirro), whose leadership and vision brought about this historic recognition, in which he stands as the true symbol of Somaliland’s recognition, as I have officially confirmed in my written statement about 18 May celebration of 2025, a turning point in Somaliland’s national history and its standing in national and international significance.
In conclusion, I urge the people of Somaliland to Loyally protect our peace and unity, remain vigilant against both internal and external adversaries and preserve the spirit of solidarity, loyalty and national patriotism and to stand united for the unity of Somaliland and in the same way, protect yourselves from discord and all that could harm our unity and peace.
N.B: Click and Listen to this video clip, what the song conveys and the meaning of its message.
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Thanks,
Prof. M. J. Robleh
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