Somaliland has been a member of the UNPO since 2004. 

The Republic of Somaliland is a de facto sovereign state in the Horn of Africa, bordered by Djibouti to the west, Ethiopia to the south, Somalia to the east, and the Gulf of Aden to the north. Despite the lack of international recognition, Somaliland has built a stable and functioning state, demonstrating that it meets the criteria for sovereignty under international law. The international community’s support for Somaliland’s right to self-determination would not only validate the democratic aspirations of its people but also contribute to stability in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland’s progress despite the challenges it faces, highlights its potential as a beacon of democracy and justice in a region in need of both.

The UNPO secretariat works for the rights of the Somaliland people as a whole and might work with different civil society organizations, groups and representatives from Somaliland. However, the main organization representing the rights of Somali people within the UNPO membership and with voting rights at the General Assembly is the Government of Somaliland. You can read more about the Government of Somaliland here.

The people of Somaliland primarily belong to the Somali ethnic group, sharing a common language, Somali, and a strong adherence to Sunni Islam. Somaliland society is deeply rooted in traditional Somali values such as hospitality, communalism, and honor, which foster strong ties and social cohesion. The nomadic heritage of the Somali people, characterized by camel herding and seasonal migrations, has significantly influenced cultural practices, including traditional music, dance, and poetry. These cultural expressions are not only a testament to the resilience of Somalilanders but also serve as vital elements of their identity in a region fraught with challenges.

Unfortunately, a deeply ingrained cultural practice in Somaliland is female genital mutilation (FGM), with an estimated 98% of women having undergone the procedure. Despite its prevalence, there has been significant progress in challenging and changing this practice, driven by efforts from influential figures such as Edna Adan Ismail,  a prominent women’s rights advocate and former President of the UNPO. Edna Adan Ismail has dedicated her life to advancing women’s health and rights in Somaliland. Through her work, particularly at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital, she has played a crucial role in raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for the abandonment of FGM. Her efforts have positioned Somaliland as a leader in the fight against FGM in the Horn of Africa, showcasing the potential for cultural transformation and progress within the region.

Somaliland’s territory encompasses the former British Protectorate of Somaliland, with borders established by international treaties between 1888 and 1897. Somaliland achieved full independence from the United Kingdom on June 26, 1960, becoming the 15th African country to do so. Shortly after gaining independence, Somaliland voluntarily entered into a union with Somalia in July 1960, creating the Somali Republic. However, the union was marked by growing discontent and political marginalization, culminating in a brutal civil war. Following the collapse of the Somali central government in 1991, Somaliland withdrew from the union and unilaterally declared its independence on May 18, 1991, reclaiming its pre-1960 sovereignty.

Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has maintained a stable and democratic government, a rarity in the turbulent Horn of Africa. Despite its de facto independence, Somaliland has yet to achieve international recognition. The government of Somaliland has sought “re-recognition,” emphasizing its history as an independent state prior to the 1960 union with Somalia and its legal right to self-determination. Dialogue between Somaliland and Somalia began in 2012 to clarify their future relationship, but these talks collapsed in 2015 due to Somalia’s failure to comply with the agreements. Although there have been attempts to revive negotiations, Somaliland continues to await serious engagement from Somalia.

Somaliland argues that its decision to end the voluntary union with Somalia aligns with African precedents and the principles of the African Union (AU). A 2005 AU fact-finding mission recommended special consideration for Somaliland’s claim to statehood, acknowledging its distinct historical and political context. However, subsequent AU decisions have deferred recognition, leaving Somaliland in a state of international limbo. Nevertheless, Somaliland meets the criteria for statehood under customary international law, having established a functioning government, defined territory, and a permanent population. In 2016, over a million Somalilanders signed a petition for international recognition, demonstrating widespread public support for their quest for sovereignty.

Recent developments have further highlighted Somaliland’s stability and democratic governance. In 2021, Somaliland held its parliamentary and local council elections, which were widely praised for their transparency and peaceful conduct. These elections were seen as a significant milestone in Somaliland’s ongoing efforts to consolidate its democracy and build institutions that reflect the will of its people. Despite the ongoing lack of recognition, Somaliland has continued to attract international interest, particularly from countries and organizations seeking to engage with a stable and democratic partner in a volatile region.

However, Somaliland faces significant challenges. Its lack of international recognition has isolated the region, limiting access to international aid, investment, and development opportunities. Tensions with neighboring Puntland, especially over territorial disputes in the Sool and Sanaag regions, have sometimes led to armed clashes, highlighting the fragility of peace in the area.

Despite the lack of recognition, Somaliland has made significant steps in governance and human rights, especially when compared to its neighbors. However, the region remains conservative. Women activists in Somaliland play a crucial role in addressing these issues and advancing women’s rights, showcasing the progressiveness of Somaliland society. 

Recognizing Somaliland’s right to self-determination and granting it equal representation on the international stage would bring significant benefits not only to the people of Somaliland but also to the broader region. As a region that has maintained peace, stability, and democratic governance in contrast to the ongoing conflict in Somalia, Somaliland serves as a model for what can be achieved through effective self-governance. Allowing Somaliland to participate fully in international affairs would enable it to secure the resources and partnerships needed to further develop its infrastructure, economy, and institutions. Furthermore, it would set a positive precedent for other regions seeking peaceful resolutions to their struggles for autonomy, contributing to long-term stability and development across the Horn of Africa.