ON THE ROAD TO INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION.
I respectfully urge the Government of Australia to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state within its 1960 borders.
The Republic of Somaliland is in the Horn of Africa, along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden. Its borders are Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east. Somaliland covers an area of about 176,120 square kilometers and has an estimated population of 6.2 million as of 2024. Its capital is Hargeisa. The country has a coastline of approximately 850 kilometers on the Red Sea.
Somaliland became a British Protectorate in 1884 and declared independence on June 26, 1960, gaining recognition from thirty-five countries. Soon after, it voluntarily united with Somalia to form the Somali Republic, though this union was never legally ratified. In a 1961 referendum, most Somalilanders opposed unification. The absence of a binding treaty and years of political and economic marginalization led to ongoing grievances in Somaliland.
The situation became intolerable in the 1980s under the oppressive regime of Siad Barre, which was marked by egregious human rights violations. Thousands of civilians were killed, particularly in Hargeisa, which tragically earned the nickname “Africa’s Dresden” for the level of destruction inflicted upon it. Entire communities were massacred, and a massive portion of the population was forced to seek refuge in neighboring Ethiopia. In May 1991, Somaliland reasserted its independence during the Burao Conference.
Since reclaiming its independence in 1991, Somaliland has made remarkable progress in establishing a functioning democracy characterized by peaceful transitions of power. The nation has developed its own independent judiciary, a bicameral parliament, and a stable executive branch capable of governance. Moreover, Somaliland has created a robust security apparatus that not only maintains territorial integrity but has also successfully kept extremist insurgencies, including Al-Shabaab, at bay. This commitment to stability and governance has earned Somaliland the status as a rare beacon of democratic values in a region marred by conflict.
Somaliland has established important partnerships with democratic states fostering relationships based on mutual benefit and cooperation. Currently The Republic of Somaliland has diplomatic relations with the State of Israel, after that country became the first United Nation’s member to recognize Somaliland on December 26, 2025. It has developed a strong relationship with Taiwan, based on shared values and principles. Somaliland also maintains strategic ties with Ethiopia, the United Arab Emirates, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United States.
A milestone in Somaliland’s economic development is the $442 million investment from Dubai Port World in the Berbera Port and the Berbera Corridor project. This initiative significantly improved regional connectivity with Ethiopia, highlighting Somaliland’s potential as a crucial economic hub in East Africa.
Moreover, Somaliland plays an indispensable role in securing the Gulf of Aden, actively combating piracy and extremism while contributing to international maritime security. Its geopolitical significance cannot be overstated, considering the potential for increased threats to maritime routes that connect crucial global markets.
Somaliland meets the Montevideo Convention criteria for statehood, which encompass the presence of a permanent population, defined territory, governance structures, and the capacity to engage in foreign relations. Formal recognition by Australia would reaffirm the nation’s commitment to democratic values and human rights. Furthermore, this recognition would contribute to enhanced regional security in the Horn of Africa and the Gulf of Aden, acting as a counterbalance to destabilizing influences, including terrorism and external powers that seek to exploit the region’s vulnerabilities.
The question of Australia recognizing Somaliland has gained momentum in recent years, particularly following Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland in December 2025, and a shifting geopolitical landscape in the Horn of Africa. While Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it remained internationally unrecognized. Advocates for Australian recognition point to several strategic, legal, and humanitarian reasons why Canberra should lead this diplomatic shift.
Australia’s trade and security are heavily tied to the Indo-Pacific and the Indian Ocean. The Republic of Somaliland occupies a vital position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. The Gulf of Aden is a critical chokepoint for global shipping. While Somalia struggles with piracy and Al-Shabaab, Somaliland has maintained a stable coastline and is an active partner in maritime security. Unlike many neighbors, Somaliland has resisted Chinese “Belt and Road” inducements, opting instead for a relationship with Taiwan. Recognizing Somaliland would bolster a democratic partner and help counter Chinese expansion in the Horn of Africa. The Berbera Port, managed by Dubai Ports World, offers a stable alternative to the Chinese-dominated port in Djibouti. Australian recognition would open doors for Australian mining and logistics firms to use this corridor into Ethiopia and East Africa.
A key argument for Australia is that Somaliland is not a “secessionist” movement but a state restoring its original sovereignty. British Somaliland achieved independence in June 1960, receiving recognition from thirty-five nations such as the United Kingdom and the United States. Shortly thereafter, it willingly united with Italian Somaliland to establish the Somali Republic. Somaliland meets all four international legal criteria for statehood: a permanent population, a defined territory, an effective government, and the capacity to enter relations with other states. Supporters argue the Republic of Somaliland is like the Baltic states Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, which Australia recognized as restoring independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
Somaliland is often described as a “beacon of democracy” in a volatile region. Since 1991, Somaliland has held multiple multi-party elections with peaceful transfers of power, including a major opposition victory in late 2024. While Somalia remains a “failed state” reliant on international peacekeepers, Somaliland manages its own military, currency, and judiciary without external military aid. Australia, as a champion of democratic values, would be rewarding a functional, stable democracy.
There is a significant Somaliland diaspora in Australia estimated in the thousands who face practical challenges due to non-recognition. Somaliland-Australians often struggle with travel documents and visas and are forced to engage with the Mogadishu-based government, which many associate with past human rights abuses. Lack of recognition prevents Somaliland from accessing global banking (SWIFT) and international aid. This increases the financial burden on the Australian diaspora, who must send enormous amounts of remittances to support basic services back home.
In addition to moral imperatives, recognition of Somaliland would align with Australia’s economic and strategic interests by fostering a partnership with a stable and democratic ally in a pivotal region. This collaboration could open pathways for trade, investment, and shared initiatives that benefit both nations.
Failing to recognize Somaliland perpetuates its diplomatic isolation, which poses a significant risk of creating a vacuum that extremist groups like Al-Shabaab and the Houthis may exploit. Given Somaliland’s vital location near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait—a critical global shipping lane—instability in this region could have dire consequences, endangering international trade, compromising global security, and adversely impacting Australia’s interests.
I urge the Australian government to take a principled stance. The moment has arrived for Australia to recognize the Republic of Somaliland and support its rightful place among the community of nations. Such recognition would not only honor the sacrifices of the Somaliland people but also uphold the fundamental principles of democracy and self-determination that contribute to global peace and security.
About the Author
Mohamed Osman, a retired physician and public health specialist from Somaliland, is a Canadian citizen who has worked with Ottawa Public Health and Alberta Health Services. He is also recognized for supporting Somaliland's recognition.
Source: The Times of Israel.