From Hope to Conflict: Assessing Biden’s Policy Towards Somaliland
Background: Shifting Policies Exacerbating Ongoing Conflict
In February 2008, an important milestone was marked in the relationship between the United States and Somaliland when U.S. Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Jendayi Frazer, visited Hargeysa. This visit represented the first tangible policy engagement by the United States with Somaliland. More recently, during a panel discussion in 2020, Jendayi Frazer expressed regret for not advocating more vigorously for the recognition of Somaliland during her tenure as assistant secretary.
It is worth noting that the international community should also reflect upon Jendayi’s comments in light of the current ongoing conflict in Las Anod, where the Somaliland army and Puntland forces, supported by local warlords, have taken the matter into their hands with the militia refusing any peace talks to resolve the conflict that took the lives of 36 civilians so far.
If this border was resolved in 2008, at least a framework for peace would’ve been possible between Las Anod and Hargeysa. Unfortunately, the current administration has chosen to depart significantly from the value-driven policy of its predecessors. It eroded the foundations that were established with great effort by former Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Tibor P. Nagy and national security advisor Robert O’Brien. This article aims to examine the implications of this policy shift thus far.
The Impact of “Single Somalia” Policy on a Previously Stable Region
Primarily, the recent statement issued by the United States Security Council on the situation in Las Anod, Somaliland, reveals a flawed approach toward this African nation. By endorsing violent expressions of political opinion and disregarding Somaliland’s sovereignty and independence, the administration runs the risk of further destabilizing the entire region.
It is of utmost importance to address the missteps in their policy and recognize the legitimate and deeply rooted claims of Somaliland in order to achieve long term stability in the region as highlighted by EU envoy Annette weber
For instance, a direct connection can be drawn between the administration’s conciliatory approach towards Las Anod clan warlords and the recent war in Garowe, where yet another clan militia was formed to violently reject constitutional amendments in Puntland. Recognizing the unintended consequences of failed American policies in this region is crucial.
It is possible that the absence of a diplomatic office in Hargeysa has contributed to a lack of understanding on the part of the administration regarding the response of the government and people of Somaliland to the situation in Las Anod. This response demonstrates their maturity and understanding of the unity of the country. Somaliland encompasses more than just military or legal borders; it embodies the police, schools, institutions, and human capital. People from all clans in Somaliland have contributed to the development of Las Anod and vice versa.
Washington DC will not need to stick its head in the middle of lobbyist if like the UK and Taiwan established offices that see first hand how Somalilanders have remain steadfast in protecting the hard-fought gains they have achieved as the longest Somali-speaking country in history (32 years). Somaliland has exhibited remarkable stability and progress since its declaration of independence. It has successfully maintained piracy-free and terrorists-free country within its borders making valuable contributions to regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Claims that Somaliland’s pursuit of territorial integrity threatens regional stability are unfounded and ignore the reality of Somaliland’s well-functioning governance and democratic institutions within the internationally recognized colonial borders of Africa. It is the denial of the legal foundation of these borders that incite and fuel violence.
Towards a Coherent Policy with the World, Africa and the U.S. itself
Somaliland, having endured immense suffering due to ethnic divisions in the past, is committed to preserving peace and stability in the region. Protecting Somaliland from the imposition of ethnic boundaries is not only in the interest of Somaliland itself but also crucial for Somalia, Ethiopia, and the entire African continent. The administration’s failure to follow up the African Union fact finding mission on Somaliland and its wisdom in maintaining these borders as reference points for resolving disputes is a cause for concern.
Equally concerning is the reluctance to adhere to internationally established customary practices which states to directly engage with Somaliland as a recognized country without formal recognition. Over the past 32 years, numerous countries worldwide have engaged directly with Somaliland, treating it as a recognized entity. By disregarding this established norm as an international customary law, the administration undermines the rule-based international order it claims to uphold.
This disregard for international law not only raises concerns but also contradicts President Biden’s democracy-based policy that denounces leaders such as Xi Jinping as dictators. According to the US-funded Freedom House report of 2023, Somaliland is regarded as the most democratic country in the Horn of Africa.
This inconsistency between the State Department’s approach to democracies globally and its treatment of Somaliland is glaring. It is worth noting that the United States was the only Western embassy that did not extend congratulations to Somaliland on the dual elections of parliament and local offices held in 2021. The United States has only mentioned Somaliland Elections in the context of its policy of sticks and sticks alone. Somaliland, a country that derives 71% of its budget from internal resources, did not feel compelled to respond to what it perceived as arrogance.
Conclusion and Recommendations
Before the Las Anod conflict, alarmists associated Somaliland’s recognition with wars and a less stable horn of Africa. As you can see, the worst scenario has already happened by following their Single Somalia policy. It is time for the Biden administration to return to its original AU-Driven and shared values policy towards Somaliland.
As highlighted in the NDAA 2023 bill, Somaliland can be a strategic partner in the Indo-Pacific region; a transparent recognition roadmap will ensure a stable Horn of Africa but also foster cooperation with democracies, both developed and resourceful
Author: Abdi Daud
is an Australian Somalilander and Software Engineer. Works as a principal developer for a financial technology company. Melbourne, Australia. Mr. Daud is also a Non-Resident Scholar at Institute for Peace and Conflict Studies, Hargeysa Somaliland
Content first published on HERE