The self-declared Republic of Somaliland is renewing its push for international recognition as the world’s 194th sovereign state, buoyed by internal political changes, regional agreements, and the return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency.
Somaliland, a territory of 175,000 square kilometers on the Red Sea, declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Despite functioning autonomously with its own currency, military, and police, the region remains unrecognized internationally.
Newly elected President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as “Irro,” has pledged to intensify efforts to end Somaliland’s political and economic isolation.
“Recognition is a process, not a one-time event,” remarked political analyst Guleid Ahmed Jama. “Strengthening internal stability will elevate Somaliland’s international standing.”
A Controversial Agreement with Ethiopia
Outgoing President Muse Bihi claimed significant progress earlier in 2024 by signing a controversial agreement with Ethiopia.
The deal reportedly granted Addis Ababa access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline in exchange for potential recognition.
However, the accord has yet to be implemented and sparked a diplomatic crisis, with Somalia condemning it as a breach of sovereignty.
The international community has remained cautious, urging calm as tensions flared between Somalia and Ethiopia.
President Irro, who previously served as Somaliland’s ambassador to the Soviet Union, is expected to adopt a more diplomatic approach to recognition efforts.
“We are open to cooperation, but the opposition will carefully review the agreement,” Irro stated before his election.
U.S. Support and Strategic Significance
Hargeisa’s hopes for recognition also rest on shifting U.S. priorities under the Trump administration.
While Donald Trump has not explicitly addressed Somaliland, his administration’s 2025 strategic roadmap—crafted by the Heritage Foundation—highlights the region’s strategic location at the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.
Somaliland’s alignment with Taiwan and its relative stability compared to neighboring Somalia offer Washington a potential partner in the Horn of Africa.
The UAE, already managing Berbera Port through DP World, could further bolster Somaliland’s case for U.S. support.
However, analysts caution that internal stability is critical. Somaliland continues to face challenges, including territorial disputes and the loss of key areas to pro-Mogadishu militias in 2023.
“Addressing internal issues will be essential to securing recognition,” said Omar Mahmood of the International Crisis Group.
While Somaliland’s path to statehood remains uncertain, its strategic importance and evolving diplomatic engagement signal a turning point in its decades-long quest for legitimacy on the world stage.
