Foreign relations of Somaliland

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Foreign relations of the Republic of Somaliland are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland.[1] The region's self-declaration of independence (from Somalia on 18 May 1991, after the start of ongoing Somali Civil War) remains unrecognised by the international community.[2][3]

Due to its status, the Republic of Somaliland currently has official contacts with only a few nations, such as Ethiopia, which has signed a strategic and infrastructure agreement,[4][5] and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has signed a concession agreement to manage the Port of Berbera.[6][7] International recognition as a sovereign state remains at the forefront of the government's current foreign policy. Other key priorities include encouraging international aid and foreign direct investment.

Most multilateral organisations and countries in the international community support the territorial integrity (i.e. territorial unity) of Somalia and its central government, the Federal Government of Somalia during the ongoing civil war and oppose Somaliland's secession.[8]

British Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham addressing the Somaliland Parliament, July 2011

International Relations[]

Map of diplomatic missions in Somaliland
  Somaliland
  States with consulate or representative office in Somaliland

Somaliland has political contacts with neighboring Ethiopia[9] and Djibouti,[10] as well as with Belgium,[9] France,[11] Ghana,[9] Russia,[12] South Africa,[9] Sweden,[9][13] the United Kingdom,[9][14] and the United States.[15]

In 2007, a delegation led by President Kahin was present at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda. Although Somaliland has applied to join the Commonwealth under observer status, its application is still pending.[16]

Middle East[]

Israel[]

Israel was one of 35 countries that recognised Somaliland's brief independence in 1960.[17] However, it does not currently hold direct diplomatic ties with Somaliland. In February 2010, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yigal Palmor was quoted in the Haaretz Daily that his government was ready to recognise Somaliland again.[18][19] Although, he stated that the Somaliland government has not contacted the Israeli government to seek ties.

In 1995, former President Egal of Somaliland also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin seeking to establish diplomatic ties between the two countries.[19] In September 2001, it was also reported Somaliland was looking towards Tel Aviv after Saudi Arabia banned imports of livestock from the country due to Rift Valley fever.[20] During this time several Israeli businessmen were also in the nation's capital Hargeisa.[20] However, President Kahin who succeeded Egal is reported to have avoided approaching Israel to prevent straining fragile relations with the Arabs and Muslim world, which it heavily relies for its livestock trade.[19] In August 2020, Somaliland expressed its support for the Israel–United Arab Emirates normalization agreement.[21]

Turkey[]

Though not recognizing Somaliland and accrediting the building to Somalia, Turkey has an active consulate in Hargeisa.[22] Since 2013 Turkey has been a mediator between Somali and Somaliland governments.[23] In 2019 Somali Minister of Foreign Affairs had stated that Turkey plays a leading role in the mediation process.[24]

In 2012 Genel Enerji, an energy company mostly owned by Çukurova Holding had signed a deal with the Somaliland government to search oil reserves within the nation.[25]

United Arab Emirates[]

The President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi with UAE Amb. Abdulla Alnaqbi.

In February 2017, both houses of the parliament of Somaliland accepted the bid from the government of the UAE for the Union Defence Force (UAE) to establish a military base in Berbera along with the redevelopment of the Berbera Airport.[26] The United Arab Emirates has appointed a new representative to Somaliland which will be the first Arab nation to send a diplomat to Hargeisa.[27] On 13 March 2021, Abdulla Al-Naqbi was appointed as UAE ambassador to Somaliland.[28][29]

Africa[]

In 2011, the foreign ministers of South Africa and Tanzania said that they would not recognise Somaliland and preferred that Somalia remained a single country.[30] In 2012, South Africa and Ethiopia again re-affirmed their continued support for Somalia's government, territorial integrity, and sovereignty at the mini-summit on Somalia in New York on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.[8] However, South Africa has formally declared that Somaliland fulfils the Montevideo criteria for statehood in addition to it accepting the Somaliland passport.[31]

The African Union (AU) is considering Somaliland's application for membership to the bloc and has indicated a willingness to deal with it as an 'outstanding case'.[31]

Ethiopia[]

Main article: Ethiopia–Somaliland relations

Somaliland has good (economic) relations with neighboring Ethiopia; Since the Eritrean–Ethiopian War 1998-2000, a large part of Ethiopian exports has been handled via the port of Berbera, since Ethiopia can no longer use the ports of Eritrea (Massaua and especially Assab). These relationships stand in contrast to the “traditional hostility” towards Ethiopia felt by many Somali in other areas and against the background that many northern Somalis had already not supported the Siad Barres Ogaden War against Ethiopia and the Somali National Movement had been promoted by Ethiopia.[32] So far, however, they have not led to official recognition by Ethiopia.

Guinea[]

The President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, visit to the Republic of Guinea.

In late July 2019, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi led a delegation to the Republic of Guinea at the invitation of President Alpha Conde.[33][34]

Kenya[]

President Bihi and Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta

In December 2020, Kenya and Somaliland agreed that a Kenyan consulate would open in Hargeisa, and to commence direct flights between Hargeisa and Nairobi, both by March 2021.[35]

Asia[]

In January 2018, Somaliland gained attention from the Philippines, and later Timor-Leste, after legislation outlawing rape is successfully passed.[36]

Pakistan[]

In November 2009, a Pakistani delegation composed of Mr. Sheikh Mansoor Ahmed, Secretary General of the PPP of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ruling government; Mr. Shafiq Ahmed Qureshi, Peace Representative, former diplomat and Sr. Consular Officer; and Mr. Abdul Razak Dinnaari, an ambassador, visited Somaliland where they proposed to open a trade office of Somaliland in Pakistan.[37] In February 2020, Pakistan's Look Africa Policy Initiative conference was held in Nairobi, Kenya.[38]

Taiwan (Republic of China)[]

Main article: Somaliland–Taiwan relations
Somaliland Foreign Minister Hagi Mohamoud with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

In July 2020, Somaliland announced it would establish representative office in Taiwan (Republic of China).[39] The Taiwan Representative Office officially established in Hargeisa the next month.[40] In August, Taiwan opened its office in Somaliland which was reciprocated by Somaliland by opening an office in Taiwan on 9 September 2020.[41]

Americas[]

United States[]

Main article: Somaliland–United States relations

Somaliland and the United States do not have official diplomatic relations. However, Somaliland operates a representative liaison office in Washington, D.C., but it does not have formal diplomatic status under the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.[42] Both countries do maintain contacts as delegations from both sides have met in the past. The U.S. policy regarding Somaliland is to first allow the African Union to deliberate the question regarding the status of Somaliland as an independent nation.

The United States engages Somaliland on policy matters such as democratization and economic development. In 2007, the United States provided one million dollars in aid through the International Republican Institute to support training for parliamentarians and other key programs in preparations for the 2010 presidential election. The U.S. expected to provide an additional one point five million in continued support for the democratization process in Somaliland following the elections.[43]

Europe[]

Germany[]

In 2002, Germany considered recognising Somaliland and establishing a military base in the country. They did not do so and the naval base was instead established in Djibouti.[44][45][46] German naval ships already operated from Berbera.[44] In September 2012, at the mini-summit on Somalia on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the German government re-affirmed its continued support for Somalia's government, territorial integrity and sovereignty.[47] In 2019, the German ambassador to Kenya and Somalia visited Hargeisa and met with Muse Bihi Abdi.[48]

United Kingdom[]

In April 2014, the Sheffield City Council in the United Kingdom voted to recognize the right to self-determination of Somaliland, the second British city council to do so, with Bristol being the first. The gesture however was ceremonial and not legally binding.[49] On 26 March 2015, Cardiff City Council followed suit[50] and later on 18 May 2015, the UK independence Party announced their support for the recognition of Somaliland.[51] This was followed by the Conservative UK government's official opening of a British Office in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. In 2020, the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands approved four agreements with the government of Somaliland to improve critical infrastructure to support economic growth.[52] In July 2019, the Birmingham City Council recognised the right to self-determination of Somaliland, becoming the 5th in Britain.

Foreign Minister[]

Main article: Minister of Foreign Affairs (Somaliland)
Ahmed Mahamoud Silanyo, 4th President of the Republic of Somaliland, speaking at Chatham House in 2010.

Dr. Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir “Faratoon” serves as the Foreign Minister of Somaliland.[53]

Diplomatic representative offices[]

Further information: List of diplomatic missions of Somaliland and List of diplomatic missions in Somaliland

Somaliland maintains representative (liaison) offices in several countries, but these missions do not have formal diplomatic status under the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Such offices exist in the following cities:

The following foreign governments have diplomatic offices in Hargeisa:

  •  Ethiopia – Consulate; headed by a diplomat with the rank of ambassador.[59][60][61] It has an embassy in Mogadishu, Somalia's capital.[62]
  •  Turkey – Consulate; headed by a diplomat with the rank of consul general
  •  Djibouti – Consulate; headed by a diplomat with the rank of consul general
  •  UK – Liaison office
  •  Denmark – Programme office
  •  Taiwan – Representative office

As of February 2010, the Yemeni government is reportedly planning to open a diplomatic office in Hargeisa.[63][64]

Somaliland entry visa

Passports[]

Main article: Somaliland passport
Regular Passport
Service Passport
Diplomatic Passport

Somaliland issues its own passports, recognised by certain nations. Once Somaliland achieves its goal of recognition, a number of countries have stated that they will allow Somalilanders to travel to their countries, subject to visa regulations.

Organisational membership[]

Somaliland is a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).[19]

See also[]

References[]

  1. ^ Council of Ministers. Government of Somaliland.
  2. ^ "UN in Action: Reforming Somaliland's Judiciary" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  3. ^ Lacey, Marc (5 June 2006). "The Signs Say Somaliland, but the World Says Somalia". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  4. ^ "Ethiopia: Somaliland signed strategic trade and infrastructure agreement - Geeska Afrika Online". www.GeeskaAfrika.com. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  5. ^ geeskadmin (2014-11-19). "Ethiopia: Somaliland signed strategic trade and infrastructure agreement - Geeska Afrika Online". Geeska Afrika Online. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  6. ^ Stevis, Matina; Fitch, Asa (30 May 2016). "Dubai's DP World Agrees to Manage Port in Somaliland for 30 Years". Wall Street Journal. Retrieved 12 January 2018 – via www.WSJ.com.
  7. ^ Stevis, Matina; Fitch, Asa (2016-05-30). "Dubai's DP World Agrees to Manage Port in Somaliland for 30 Years". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
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  10. ^ "Somaliland, Djibouti in bitter port feud". afrol News. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
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  17. ^ Bereketeab, Redie (2012). Self-determination and Secessionism in Somaliland and South Sudan: Challenges to Postcolonial State-building. Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. ISBN 978-91-7106-725-8.
  18. ^ "Israel ready to recognize Somaliland". defenceWeb. 2010-02-15. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
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  23. ^ "Türkiye - Somali Siyasi İlişkileri". mfa.gov.tr.
  24. ^ "'Somali'nin Türkiye'den daha iyi dostu yok'". www.aa.com.tr. Retrieved 2021-05-18.
  25. ^ "Somali'de petrol rezervi ne kadar? Erdoğan'ın 'Teklif geldi' açıklamasına Somali Petrol Bakanı ne diyor?". BBC News Türkçe (in Turkish). Retrieved 2021-05-18.
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  27. ^ "UAE Appoints a new representative to Somaliland". Somaliland Standard. Retrieved March 13, 2021.
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  34. ^ "Somaliland President Arrives in Guinea-Conakry for State Visit". July 2, 2019.
  35. ^ "Somalia Severs Diplomatic Ties With Kenya". The New York Times. 15 December 2020.
  36. ^ "'A great milestone': Somaliland adopts legislation outlawing rape". the Guardian. 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
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  38. ^ "Pakistan Asked To Extend Its Look Africa Policy Initiative To Somaliland". busiweek.com. 3 February 2020.
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  40. ^ "台灣駐索馬利蘭代表處正式成立 雙方國旗飄揚[影] | 政治 | 重點新聞 | 中央社 CNA". www.cna.com.tw (in Chinese). Central News Agency. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
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  42. ^ THE CONTACTS AND ADDRESSES OF THE SOMALILAND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICES AROUND THE WORLD at the Wayback Machine (archived March 27, 2010)
  43. ^ United States Policy on Somaliland at the Wayback Machine (archived December 11, 2007)
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  45. ^ "FB 05 Gesellschaftswissenschaften".
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  58. ^ Somaliland Mission UK Retrieved 2020-06-25.
  59. ^ Ethiopia's New Representative to Somaliland. Qarannews (30 October 2009). Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  60. ^ Section II: Somaliland
    • DenmarkArchived 2010-12-10 at the Wayback Machine. International Council on Security and Development. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
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  62. ^ "We urgently need an Embassy in Somalia". Newvision.co.ug. 2007-06-05. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  63. ^ "Somaliland: Yemen To Open Diplomatic Office in Somaliland". UNPO. 19 February 2010.
  64. ^ "Yemen and Puntland to further cooperation". Garoweonline.com. 2010-10-12. Archived from the original on 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
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