Outlining A Comprehensive Foreign Policy Vision for the New Admin Under President-elect H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro”
“Re-imagining Somaliland Foreign Policy: A Vision for Sovereignty, Security, and Prosperity”
Somaliland stands at a critical juncture in its history. Decades of resilience, meticulous state-building, and a commitment to democratic governance have positioned it as a beacon of stability in the often turbulent Horn of Africa. While the region grapples with conflicts, fragile states, and authoritarian regimes, Somaliland has charted an extraordinary path, characterized by grassroots peace-building, credible elections, and a functioning governance structure.
Yet, this remarkable progress remains overshadowed by the unfulfilled quest for international recognition. The lack of formal diplomatic status continues to constrain Somaliland ability to fully participate in the global arena, limiting access to development aid, international financial systems, and multilateral forums. Without recognition, the nation’s sovereignty is continually challenged, leaving it vulnerable to external pressures and regional dynamics that threaten its security and stability.
Recent developments further underscore the urgency of a re-calibrated foreign policy. The conflict in Somaliland eastern provinces, particularly in Sool and Sanaag, is both a manifestation of long-standing clan grievances and a reflection of geopolitics driven by external involvements. Regional actors have exploited these tensions, seeking to destabilize Somaliland territorial integrity and undermine its claims to sovereignty.
Similarly, the uproar following the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ethiopia highlights the delicate balance Somaliland must strike in its regional partnerships. While Ethiopia remains a key ally, concerns over territorial sovereignty and local consultation have sparked internal dissent, revealing the challenges of advancing national interests without alienating domestic constituencies.
Complicating the regional landscape further is Somalia’s growing alignment with Egypt and Turkey through defense pacts that could potentially alter the balance of power in the Horn of Africa. Egypt’s geopolitical ambitions, particularly its interest in countering Ethiopia over the Nile waters, and Turkey’s military foothold in Mogadishu signal a convergence of external agendas that could have far-reaching implications for Somaliland.
This article outlines a comprehensive foreign policy vision for the new administration under President-Elect H.E. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro.” It seeks to address these challenges while charting a path to diplomatic recognition, economic prosperity, and enhanced national security. Through a blend of proactive diplomacy, strategic partnerships, and robust defense mechanisms, Somaliland can safeguard its sovereignty, strengthen its global standing, and secure a prosperous future for its people.
Somaliland aspirations are deeply rooted in its remarkable journey over the past 30 years. Since reclaiming its sovereignty in 1991, Somaliland has achieved what few in the region have: stability, democracy, and progress. While a number of neighboring countries have remained sadly locked in cycles of violence and political turmoil, Somaliland has charted a distinct path of peace and development.
- Democratic Governance and State-Building
- Security and Stability
- Economic Development and Strategic Assets
- Social Progress
Key Principles Governing Somaliland Foreign Policy
Somaliland foreign policy must be grounded in principles that reflect its aspirations for sovereignty, security, and prosperity while navigating complex regional and global dynamics.These principles serve as the foundation for diplomatic engagements, international cooperation, and the pursuit of recognition.
- Sovereignty and Self-Determination: Somaliland foreign policy must prioritize the protection and promotion of its sovereignty, rooted in the historical legitimacy of its independence in 1960 and its reclamation in 1991. The right to self-determination, as enshrined in international law, will guide all diplomatic engagements and advocacy efforts.
- Commitment to Peaceful Engagement: Somaliland remains committed to peaceful and cooperative relations with all nations. Its foreign policy will prioritize dialogue, negotiation, and multilateral-ism to resolve disputes, foster regional stability, and promote global peace.
- Mutual Respect and Non-Interference: Somaliland will uphold the principles of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs of other states, expecting the same in return. This
principle underpins Somaliland diplomatic conduct and its advocacy for recognition. - Regional Stability and Cooperation: As a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland will actively contribute to regional peace, security, and economic development. Its foreign policy will support
initiatives that address transnational threats such as terrorism, piracy, and arms trafficking, emphasizing collaboration with neighboring states and regional organizations. - Economic Diplomacy: Somaliland foreign policy will prioritize economic growth and development through trade, investment, and strategic partnerships. Leveraging its geographic position and strategic assets, such as the Port of Berbera, Somaliland will seek mutually beneficial agreements that enhance its economic resilience and global integration.
- Strategic Partnerships and Alliances: Building strong relationships with key global powers, regional neighbors, and international institutions will be a cornerstone of Somaliland foreign policy. These
partnerships will focus on security, trade, development, and advocacy for recognition. - Promotion of Governance and Democracy: Somaliland will use its foreign policy to showcase its democratic governance, rule of law, and commitment to human rights as a model for self-reliant state-building. This principle will guide its engagement with international organizations and advocacy groups.
- Adaptability and Pragmatism: Somaliland foreign policy will remain flexible and pragmatic, adapting to changing global and regional dynamics while staying true to its core objectives. Strategic
decision-making will prioritize long-term benefits over short-term gains. - Diaspora Engagement: Recognizing the importance of the Somaliland diaspora, foreign policy will include strategies to empower diaspora communities to act as ambassadors for Somaliland
cause, fostering investment, advocacy, and cultural exchange. - Commitment to Multilateralism: Somaliland will actively engage with international and regional organizations to address global challenges, advocate for its recognition, and contribute to collective efforts on issues such as climate change, sustainable development, and humanitarian assistance.
Key Foreign Policy Objectives.
To achieve its aspirations, Somaliland must pursue three interlinked objectives:
1. Diplomatic Recognition
Diplomatic recognition is the bedrock of Somaliland foreign policy and the linchpin of its survival as a sovereign state. Without formal recognition, Somaliland remains isolated, its sovereignty perpetually vulnerable to external threats and regional power plays. Recognition is not merely a symbolic milestone—it is the most effective deterrent against aggression. By securing international legitimacy, Somaliland can reinforce its territorial integrity, dissuade potential adversaries, and cement its position as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa.
Beyond enhancing security, recognition opens the door to full participation in the global arena. It grants Somaliland access to international institutions such as the United Nations, African Union, and the World Bank, enabling it to advocate for its interests, receive development aid, and engage in multilateral diplomacy. Critically, recognition allows Somaliland to pursue independent security arrangements, forging defense pacts and strategic alliances that strengthen its capacity to protect its borders and counter transnational threats.
Perhaps most importantly, recognition empowers Somaliland to build a modern, self-reliant military. Freed from external constraints, Somaliland can invest in its defense infrastructure, acquire advanced weaponry, and train its forces to international standards. This capability is essential not only for safeguarding national sovereignty but also for contributing to regional and global security initiatives. In a region fraught with instability, Somaliland recognized status would serve as a bulwark against the spread of extremism and conflict, affirming its role as a key partner in promoting peace and stability.
In sum, diplomatic recognition is not just a goal—it is an existential necessity. It is the gateway to sovereignty, security, and prosperity, ensuring that Somaliland can fully realize its potential as an independent, resilient, and globally respected nation.
Achieving diplomatic recognition requires a bold, strategic overhaul of Somaliland diplomatic infrastructure. This transformation must go beyond incremental adjustments to embrace a fundamentally new approach, prioritizing efficiency, focus, and impact. Somaliland’s limited resources must be strategically allocated to initiatives that offer the highest return in advancing its case for recognition and securing its national interests.
A – African Union (AU) Engagement: Somaliland must intensify efforts to present its case to the African Union AU), re-framing the narrative to emphasize its role as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa. While the AU adheres to the principle of respecting colonial boundaries, Somaliland’s unique historical context and contributions to regional stability offer a compelling case for recognition.
Somaliland gained independence as a sovereign state in 1960 within its colonial boundaries, before voluntarily uniting with Somalia in pursuit of the Greater Somalia vision. This vision, inherently irredentist, conflicted with the AU’s principles and led to decades of instability, including conflicts with neighboring Ethiopia and Kenya. Somaliland’s decision to secede in 1991 was a response to systemic marginalization and a bid to restore its sovereignty within its original borders.
By emphasizing its pre-union independence, Somaliland can challenge the strict application of the AU’s colonial boundary principle. Precedents such as Eritrea and South Sudan demonstrate that exceptions can be made when historical and geopolitical realities justify them. Somaliland’s achievements in democratic governance, security, and economic development further strengthen its case as a responsible and capable state deserving of recognition.
Somaliland must develop high-level advocacy campaigns by target influential AU member states with strong diplomatic sway, such as South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya, and by also crafting tailored narratives highlighting the tangible benefits of recognizing Somaliland, including enhanced regional stability, counter-terrorism cooperation, and economic integration.
Somaliland must leverage its stability and governance achievements by emphasizing successful democratic elections, independent judiciary, and effective security forces, and at the same time reference the findings of the 2005 AU Fact-Finding Mission, which recognized Somaliland governance as a model for self-determination and post-conflict reconstruction.
Somaliland must cultivate strategic alliances with like-minded state by strengthening diplomatic ties with Ethiopia and South Sudan, which have vested interests in regional stability, and work with these allies to advocate for Somaliland recognition within the AU and beyond.
Somaliland must capitalize on prominent supporters such as highlighting the visit of former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo, using his positive remarks about Somaliland’s stability and governance to bolster its case, and engage prominent African states persons and organizations to amplify
Somaliland’s narrative.
B – Global Partnerships: In an increasingly interconnected world, the influence of global powers is pivotal for
Somaliland quest for international recognition. Strategic partnerships with nations like the United States, United Kingdom, and members of the European Union, alongside key regional and global actors, are essential to advancing Somaliland interests. These partnerships should prioritize mutual benefits, focusing on security cooperation, economic development, and amplifying Somaliland voice on the global stage.
Engaging with these influential powers provides Somaliland with the opportunity to secure vital political, economic, and security support while promoting its achievements in governance, stability, and economic growth. By presenting itself as a reliable partner in addressing shared global challenges, Somaliland can build momentum toward its ultimate goal of statehood recognition.
While Congresswoman Ilhan Omar has expressed deep opposition to Somaliland aspirations,
her influence on U.S. foreign policy under the incoming administration is expected to be limited.
This presents an opportunity for Somaliland to cultivate a more favorable perception in
Washington and focus its efforts on engaging decision-makers and institutions with broader
influence on U.S. policy.
On this front, Somaliland must establish high-impact lobbying efforts by deploying targeted diplomatic campaigns in key capitals such as Washington, London, Brussels, Paris, and Berlin; by engaging professional lobbying firms and advocacy groups to ensure Somaliland narrative reaches decision-makers in foreign governments and international organizations; and by organizing official visits to Washington, focusing on building relationships with influential members of Congress, State Department officials, and the National Security Council.
Somaliland must cultivate positive perceptions in Washington and work with bipartisan members of Congress who are sympathetic to Somaliland’s democratic achievements and contributions to regional security by highlighting Somaliland role as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa, presenting it as a reliable partner for U.S. strategic interests in counter-terrorism and maritime security, and by countering misinformation by emphasizing Somaliland unique history, its adherence to democratic principles, and its alignment with U.S. values on governance and stability.
Somaliland must enhance trade and economic development initiatives by advocate for Somaliland’s eligibility under frameworks like the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) to facilitate trade with the United States, and by highlighting the Port of Berbera as a strategic investment opportunity for U.S. businesses, showcasing its potential as a gateway to East African markets. c. Seek partnerships with U.S. development agencies such as USAID to fund projects in infrastructure, agriculture, and renewable energy.
Somaliland must engage Think Tanks, Academic Institutions, and policymakers like the Brookings Institution, the Heritage Foundation, and the Council on Foreign Relations to promote discourse on
Somaliland strategic importance, and organize high-profile events in Washington, including panels and discussions with policymakers, to emphasize Somaliland contributions to stability and development. Somaliland should collaborate with U.S. universities on research projects that underscore Somaliland’s governance successes and economic potential.
C – Diaspora Diplomacy: The Somaliland diaspora is one of the nation’s most valuable assets. Over the last thirty years, Somaliland Diaspora has undergone remarkable progress in terms of their academic
and economic achievements. Many of them have joined and excel in the private sectors, respective governments with some holding high level positions, and some joining the inter-governmental and international NGOs. Mobilizing this community as informal ambassadors can amplify Somaliland voice in host countries and influence public opinion and policy making.
- Create a global diaspora engagement strategy to coordinate advocacy efforts.
- Empower diaspora networks to build grassroots support for Somaliland
recognition. - Facilitate investment initiatives that link diaspora resources to national
development projects.
Diplomatic recognition is not just a symbolic victory; it is the gateway to full sovereignty and global engagement. Formal recognition will enable Somaliland to participate in international organizations such as the United Nations, World Bank, IGAD, Arab League, and African Union, unlocking access to development aid, financial systems, and multilateral forums. A well-resourced, strategically focused diplomatic infrastructure will amplify Somaliland voice on the global stage, ensuring that its interests are effectively advocated and its sovereignty secured.
2. Economic Diplomacy
Economic diplomacy is a cornerstone of Somaliland’s strategy for securing sovereignty, fostering regional partnerships, and driving sustainable development. Positioned at the nexus of critical trade routes in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland’s untapped economic potential—anchored by the strategic Port of Berbera—presents a unique opportunity to assert influence and promote national interests through commerce. By cultivating targeted economic partnerships and aligning its policies with regional dynamics, Somaliland can transform its geographic advantage into a powerful lever for prosperity and recognition.
The DP World-managed Port of Berbera is Somaliland’s most valuable economic asset. Its location on the Red Sea, connecting East Africa to the Middle East and Asia, positions it as a natural gateway for regional and international trade. Expanding and modernizing Berbera into a world-class logistics hub can serve as a catalyst for economic growth and deepen Somaliland integration into global trade networks.
Ethiopia’s growing demand for alternative sea access presents a strategic opening for Somaliland. Ethiopia’s dependence on Djibouti for over 90% of its imports and exports underscores the value of a diversified route through Berbera. Despite the controversy that the MOU between Ethiopia and Somaliland created, it points out the strategic value in bold action. A carefully crafted partnership with Ethiopia can secure long-term economic benefits and foster deeper bilateral ties.
While not currently a member, Somaliland stands to benefit from stronger engagement with the East African Community (EAC). Both Ethiopia and Somalia have joined this strategic regional community and hence Somaliland can advocate for an expanded community that brings the Greater Horn into the community.
Aligning with regional economic frameworks and standards will position Somaliland as a key partner in East Africa’s growth and integration.
Economic diplomacy is about more than trade; it is a strategic tool for safeguarding Somaliland’s sovereignty and expanding its influence. By strengthening economic ties with Ethiopia and engaging in regional trade frameworks, Somaliland can reduce its isolation, build strategic alliances, and bolster its case for recognition. The Port of Berbera is not only a commercial asset but also a geopolitical lever—its success will attract investment, create jobs, and demonstrate Somaliland’s viability as a sovereign state. A proactive and well-executed economic diplomacy strategy will ensure that Somaliland not only survives but thrives, positioning itself as a key player in the regional economy and a beacon of stability in the Horn of Africa.
A robust economic diplomacy strategy will drive economic growth, enhance domestic stability, and create jobs, reducing unemployment and improving livelihoods. By showcasing Somaliland’s viability as a self-reliant and thriving economy, these efforts will strengthen its case for recognition. Economic success is a powerful narrative that demonstrates Somaliland’s capacity to function as a sovereign state, fostering regional partnerships and global engagement that bolster its legitimacy on the world stage
3. Security Diplomacy
A secure Somaliland is essential not only for its sovereignty but also for regional and global stability. The strategic Red Sea corridor, which supports a significant portion of global trade and energy transit, is increasingly threatened by regional conflicts, militarization, and geopolitical rivalries. For Somaliland, the intersection of Red Sea security and regional dynamics represents both an opportunity to assert its role as a stabilizing force and a challenge to its survival in the face of external threats.
This section addresses the impact of regional instability on the Red Sea, Somaliland reliance on
this critical route, the risks posed by Somalia’s arms acquisition, and the diplomatic strategies
required to secure its interests and enhance its sovereignty.
The Red Sea corridor links the Suez Canal to the Indian Ocean, making it a global maritime artery for trade, particularly energy supplies. Somaliland, with its strategic location and the Port of Berbera, is uniquely positioned to support the stability and security of this route. The port’s modernization and integration into regional trade networks have further cemented its importance as a logistics hub.
However, the corridor is fraught with risks, including piracy, terrorism, and the spillover of regional conflicts. Instability threatens not only international trade but also Somaliland economic lifeline and diplomatic leverage. Proactively addressing these challenges is imperative to safeguard Somaliland economic resilience and geopolitical relevance.
The Port of Berbera is central to Somaliland economic and strategic goals, serving as a vital alternative to Djibouti for landlocked countries like Ethiopia. The port’s success depends on the stability of the Red Sea and its surrounding regions. Somaliland survival hinges on the uninterrupted flow of goods and investments through this maritime route, which is why ensuring its security is a top priority.
A renegotiated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Ethiopia offers a pathway to strengthen economic and security ties. This agreement should:
- Guarantee Ethiopia’s long-term reliance on Berbera as its primary trade outlet.
- Include joint investments in infrastructure and transport corridors linking Berbera to Ethiopia.
- Develop shared security frameworks to protect trade routes and counter threats such as piracy and arms smuggling.
Somalia’s growing arms acquisitions, supported by Turkey, Egypt, and other actors, present a significant threat to Somaliland’s security. This militarization not only destabilizes the Horn of Africa but also amplifies the existential risks faced by Somaliland, given Somalia’s persistent territorial claims. The unchecked inflow of advanced weaponry exacerbates the regional power imbalance, undermining Somaliland’s ability to ensure its sovereignty and deter aggression.
Somaliland must address this challenge diplomatically while bolstering its defense capabilities. Advocacy for international oversight and accountability in arms transfers to Somalia will be critical to mitigating this threat.
Security diplomacy is integral to Somaliland’s vision of sovereignty and stability. By addressing regional instability, countering Somalia’s militarization, and leveraging its strategic position along the Red Sea, Somaliland can assert its role as a stabilizing force in the Horn of Africa. A carefully renegotiated MOU with Ethiopia, coupled with robust regional and global partnerships, will ensure Somaliland’s survival and bolster its aspirations for international recognition.
This proactive and pragmatic approach to security diplomacy will strengthen Somaliland
resilience, enhance its international credibility, and secure its position as a critical player in
regional stability.
To operationalize these objectives, the new administration must adopt the following mechanisms:
- Expand Somaliland’s diplomatic footprint by opening or upgrading missions in key global capitals.
- Appoint skilled envoys capable of navigating complex international systems.
- Launch global media campaigns to highlight Somaliland’s achievements in democracy, stability, and governance.
- Commission independent studies to strengthen the legal and historical case for recognition
- Empower the Somaliland diaspora to act as informal ambassadors, advocating for recognition and investing in national development.
- Build trust with neighboring states by promoting mutual interests, including trade, security, and infrastructure development.
Somaliland’s path to international legitimacy requires strategic vision, relentless advocacy, and unwavering determination. The new administration has a historic opportunity to elevate Somaliland’s global standing, secure its sovereignty, and unlock its potential as a prosperous, secure, and recognized nation.
By prioritizing diplomatic recognition, economic diplomacy, and national security, this administration can transform Somaliland’s foreign policy into a powerful tool for achieving its aspirations. This vision is not merely a strategy; it is a testament to the resilience and ambition of the Somaliland people.
Author:
Ahmed Aideed
Senior Consultant
Email: caydeed.ahmed@gmail.com