Somaliland’s Journey Toward International Recognition: Assessing Progress Toward Becoming Africa’s 55th Nation

Introduction

As of March 2025, Somaliland appears closer than ever to achieving its long-sought goal of international recognition.

After functioning as a de facto independent state for over three decades, recent diplomatic breakthroughs and strategic agreements suggest Somaliland may be on the verge of becoming Africa’s 55th recognized nation.

FAF examines Somaliland’s historical context and recent diplomatic initiatives and analyzes the roles of key international actors in shaping its potential path to recognition.

Historical Foundation and Path to Self-Declared Independence

From British Protectorate to Brief Independence

Somaliland’s distinct political identity traces back to its history as a British protectorate from 1884 until June 26, 1960, when it gained independence as the State of Somaliland. This independence was remarkably brief—lasting only five days before Somaliland voluntarily united with the former Italian Somalia on July 1, 1960, to form the Somali Republic.

This voluntary union would later serve as a critical legal distinction in Somaliland’s case for recognition, differentiating it from other African secessionist movements.

The union quickly showed signs of strain. In 1961, military officers from Somaliland staged a rebellion attempting to restore Somaliland’s independence.

Following decades of marginalization under Siad Barre’s regime and the subsequent collapse of the Somali state into civil war, Somaliland unilaterally declared independence on May 18, 1991.

State-Building Success Amid Non-Recognition

Since it declared independence, Somaliland has functioned as a de facto independent state with its own government, constitution, currency, military, and electoral system.

It has established democratic institutions and conducted regular free elections, protected human rights (including women’s participation in governance), maintained internal security, and successfully countered extremist threats—all significant accomplishments in a region plagued by instability.

Despite these achievements, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any United Nations member state, making it “the largest unrecognized state in the world by de facto controlled land area.”

This lack of recognition has persisted despite Somaliland’s functioning democratic system and relative stability compared to Somalia proper.

Recent Diplomatic Breakthroughs

The Ethiopia-Somaliland Memorandum of Understanding

The most significant development in Somaliland’s recognition journey came on January 1, 2024, when Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a landmark memorandum of understanding (MOU).

Under this agreement, “Ethiopia will lease the port of Berbera on the Gulf of Aden, and a 20-kilometer stretch of Gulf of Aden coastline, for 20 years, in exchange for eventual recognition of Somaliland as an independent state and a stake in Ethiopian Airlines”.

Despite subsequent tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, which led to the Ankara Declaration in December 2024, Somaliland maintains that the original agreement remains intact.

Somaliland’s Finance Minister Saad Ali Shire clarified that the existing Berbera Port “will be available for all entities including Ethiopian business people and government to use,” eliminating the need to build another port specifically for Ethiopia.

If Ethiopia follows through with recognition, it would become the first UN member state to recognize Somaliland, potentially creating a domino effect for other recognitions.

Increasing International Visibility

Somaliland’s participation in the World Governments Summit 2025 in Dubai represented a “diplomatic milestone” and a “defining moment on the global stage.” This high-profile international forum allowed Somaliland to highlight its achievements and strengthen relations with potential allies, particularly in the Gulf region.

The summit facilitated “top-level talks with UAE government officials” that “set the stage for more security cooperation, investments, and trade cooperation.” This growing relationship with the UAE, a significant regional power, may help Somaliland build momentum toward broader international acceptance.

The Role of Major Global Powers in Somaliland’s Recognition Efforts

United States

Potential Recognition Under Trump

Perhaps the most promising avenue for Somaliland’s recognition comes from the United States. Recent developments suggest that the Trump administration should consider formal recognition of Somaliland. A progressive final political dialogue seems to be leading to the conclusion of the recognition of the great nation of Somaliland. Various proposals are being exchanged for bilateral relationships with the US and Israel.

Congressman Scott Perry introduced a bill in late 2024 proposing formal US recognition for Somaliland.

Project 2025, a roadmap for Trump’s presidency compiled by conservative organizations, proposes “the recognition of Somaliland statehood as a hedge against the US’s deteriorating position in Djibouti.”

There are reports of Somaliland potentially granting the US a strategic military base along its coastline in exchange for recognition.

This potential recognition has generated considerable enthusiasm among Somalilanders, with one university student saying, “Donald is our savior. He is a wise and practical man. God bless America.”

United Kingdom

Historical Ties and Growing Engagement

As the former colonial power, the UK maintains unique relations with Somaliland without extending formal recognition:

Multiple UK city councils, including Sheffield, Bristol, Cardiff, and Birmingham, have voted to recognize Somaliland's right to self-determination.

In 2020, the UK government officially opened a British Office in Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.

In July 2023, Gavin Williamson proposed a bill to the UK Parliament requiring the UK to recognize Somaliland.

The UK, Denmark, and the Netherlands approved agreements with Somaliland in 2020 to improve its infrastructure.

The UK continues to have “strong partnerships with several actors in Somalia and Somaliland,” working closely with the UN and World Bank and “providing funding and expertise.”

European Union

Limited but Notable Engagement

While the search results provide limited information about current EU engagement, there is evidence of diplomatic contact. In February 2020, the EU representative to Somaliland and Somalia, Ambassador Nicholas Berlanga Martinez, met with then-President Musa Bihi Abdi to discuss bilateral relations, socio-political developments, and democratization processes.

Economic and Strategic Significance

A New Trade Corridor

Somaliland’s potential recognition carries significant economic implications beyond its borders.

A proposed trade route through Somaliland could “transform global commerce” by creating a path from India through Somaliland, Ethiopia, South Sudan, Chad, and Eastern Libya.

This route would offer faster shipping times to Europe while providing an alternative to the Suez Canal, ultimately strengthening economic ties between Africa and Asia.

Strategic Location

Somaliland’s location along the Gulf of Aden represents a strategic asset in an increasingly contested region. A base on Somaliland’s coastline would serve as “a critical asset for the United States in countering Houthi threats to Western and Israeli vessels that are traversing through the Red Sea.” This strategic position is particularly valuable as a counter to the growing Chinese presence in the region, especially after Beijing secured a military base in neighboring Djibouti.

Challenges to Recognition

Somalia’s Opposition

Somalia remains firmly opposed to Somaliland’s independence claims, considering the region an integral part of Somalia’s sovereign territory. Following the Ethiopia-Somaliland MOU, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud nullified the memorandum and recalled Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia in protest.

This opposition is felt keenly among Somalis, with one data analyst in Mogadishu expressing his anger at the possibility of US recognition by stating, “I am spitting fire.”

Territorial Disputes

Following the Las Anod conflict that emerged in 2022, Somaliland lost control of a significant portion of its eastern territory to pro-unionist forces who established the SSC-Khatumo administration. This territorial dispute complicates Somaliland’s claims to a clearly defined territory, one of the traditional criteria for statehood.

Conditional Recognition Proposals

Some analysts suggest that Somaliland’s recognition should be tied to concrete reforms. An article from January 2025 argues that “International recognition for Somaliland should be conditioned on concrete economic and political reforms,” questioning whether immediate full recognition might “ruin a plucky would-be state’s economic and political development.”

Conclusion

After 33 years of de facto independence, Somaliland is potentially pivotal in its quest for international recognition.

The Ethiopia agreement, despite complications, still represents the most concrete commitment toward recognition from a neighboring state.

Meanwhile, the possibility of US recognition under the incoming Trump administration offers perhaps the most promising path to becoming Africa’s 55th recognized nation.

Somaliland’s case for recognition is bolstered by its democratic governance, relative stability, and strategic importance in a volatile region. As commentators have noted, “Somaliland has built a stable foundation while neighboring Somalia faces ongoing challenges.”

The international community now faces “a clear choice between supporting Somaliland’s proven model of stability and democracy or maintaining the status quo in a strategically important region.”

While significant obstacles remain—including Somalia’s firm opposition, territorial disputes, and the complexities of international recognition norms—recent developments suggest that after decades of diplomatic isolation, Somaliland may be taking its final steps toward becoming Africa’s 55th recognized nation.

The coming months, particularly with potential US recognition on the horizon, may prove decisive in determining whether Somaliland will finally achieve its long-sought goal of international recognition.