SLSUN – In the intricate web of geopolitics, the recognition of sovereignty remains one of the most consequential acts the international community can undertake. Somaliland, a de facto independent state in the Horn of Africa, has stood as an example of resilience and self-governance for over three decades.
Yet, despite its significant achievements in peace, stability, and democracy, Somaliland remains unrecognized as a sovereign nation. This diplomatic limbo not only undermines Somaliland’s potential but also hampers efforts to secure long-term stability in one of the world’s most volatile regions. In this context, India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are uniquely positioned to lead the charge in advocating for Somaliland’s recognition.
Both countries have significant geopolitical, economic, and strategic stakes in Somaliland and the surrounding region, making their roles crucial in pushing the international community to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent nation.
Somaliland’s quest for independence is deeply rooted in its history. A former British protectorate, Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960, only to merge days later with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic.
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The union, however, proved disastrous for Somaliland. Decades of marginalization, economic neglect, and political repression culminated in the brutal regime of Siad Barre, whose atrocities against the people of Somaliland left deep scars.
When Somalia’s central government collapsed in 1991, Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence, seeking to reclaim the sovereignty it had briefly held in 1960. Since then, Somaliland has charted its own path, establishing a functioning government, conducting free and fair elections, maintaining relative peace, and building a growing economy. Despite these accomplishments, it remains unrecognized, excluded from international institutions, trade agreements, and global forums.