List of Countries that Recognize Somaliland

Somaliland, a self-declared independent state in the Horn of Africa, has been seeking international recognition since it proclaimed independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991. Despite functioning as a de facto independent state with its own government, currency, and democratic elections, Somaliland's quest for formal recognition as a sovereign nation remains a complex and politically sensitive issue. This article explores the historical and current status of Somaliland’s recognition by other countries, highlighting the challenges and developments in its diplomatic journey.

Historical Recognition (1960)

Somaliland, then known as the State of Somaliland, briefly achieved independence from British colonial rule on June 26, 1960. During its five-day existence as an independent state before uniting with the Trust Territory of Somaliland (formerly Italian Somaliland) to form the Somali Republic, it received formal recognition from 35 countries. These included major powers such as:

• China
• Egypt
• Ethiopia
• France
• Ghana
• Israel
• Libya
• Soviet Union
• United Kingdom
• United States

The United Kingdom signed several bilateral agreements with Somaliland, and the U.S. Secretary of State, Christian Herter, sent a congratulatory message to Somaliland’s government. Queen Elizabeth II also extended well-wishes, noting the historical connection between the UK and Somaliland. However, this recognition was short-lived, as Somaliland voluntarily merged with Somalia on July 1, 1960, to form a unified Somali Republic.

Current Recognition (Post-1991)

Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, following a brutal civil war and the collapse of the Somali government, Somaliland has not been formally recognized as a sovereign state by any United Nations member state. The international community, including the African Union (AU) and the United Nations, largely supports the territorial integrity of Somalia, viewing Somaliland as an autonomous region within the Federal Republic of Somalia. This stance is driven by concerns that recognizing Somaliland could set a precedent for other secessionist movements in Africa and beyond, potentially destabilizing the region.

Despite the lack of formal recognition, Somaliland has established significant informal and de facto relationships with several countries and maintains representative offices in nations such as the United States, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Djibouti, Kenya, and Taiwan. These relationships often focus on trade, security, and development cooperation, but they stop short of full diplomatic recognition.

Ethiopia’s Potential Recognition (2024)

A significant development in Somaliland’s quest for recognition occurred on January 1, 2024, when Somaliland and Ethiopia signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). Under this agreement, Ethiopia was granted access to 20 kilometers of Somaliland’s coastline, including the strategic Port of Berbera, for commercial and military purposes for 50 years. In exchange, Ethiopia committed to an “in-depth assessment” of recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty, potentially making it the first UN member state to formally recognize Somaliland. Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry stated that this deal includes “formal recognition of the Republic of Somaliland,” though Ethiopia’s official statements have been more cautious, emphasizing further evaluation.

This agreement has sparked controversy, with Somalia condemning it as a violation of its sovereignty and recalling its ambassador to Ethiopia. The African Union and other regional bodies, such as the League of Arab States, have reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, urging Ethiopia to reconsider. Despite this, Somaliland hopes that Ethiopia’s potential recognition could encourage other nations, particularly in Africa, to follow suit, given Ethiopia’s regional influence.

Other Countries with Informal Ties

While no country currently extends formal recognition, several nations maintain informal or semi-official relations with Somaliland, often through trade agreements, development aid, or representative offices:

• United Kingdom: The UK, a former colonial power in Somaliland, maintains strong ties through its diaspora and has opened a British Office in Hargeisa. In 2020, the UK, along with Denmark and the Netherlands, approved agreements to support Somaliland’s infrastructure development. The issue of recognition has been raised in the UK Parliament, with proposals like the 2023 bill by Gavin Williamson to recognize Somaliland.
• United States: The U.S. has engaged with Somaliland through diplomatic visits and election observation missions, such as for the 2017 presidential election. Somaliland hosts a U.S. liaison office, and discussions about deeper ties have occurred, particularly in the context of countering Chinese influence in the Horn of Africa. However, the U.S. has not formally recognized Somaliland, partly to avoid straining relations with Somalia.
• Kenya: In 2020, Kenya agreed to open a consulate in Hargeisa and establish direct flights between Nairobi and Hargeisa, signaling growing ties. However, Kenya has not formally recognized Somaliland.
• United Arab Emirates: The UAE has a concession agreement to manage the Port of Berbera, reflecting economic engagement but not formal recognition.
• Taiwan: Somaliland and Taiwan have established mutual representative offices, reflecting their shared status as unrecognized states. This relationship has led to cooperation in areas like education and resource exploration, including lithium deposits.

Other countries, such as Djibouti, Belgium, Canada, France, Norway, Sweden, and South Africa, have engaged with Somaliland through diplomatic visits or development cooperation but have not extended formal recognition. For instance, Sweden recognized Somaliland as a self-governing region for development cooperation in 2007, and France has sent diplomats to Hargeisa to foster cultural links.

Challenges to Recognition

Somaliland’s lack of international recognition stems from several factors:

1. African Union’s Stance: The AU adheres to the principle of respecting colonial-era borders, as outlined in the 1964 Cairo Declaration, to prevent secessionist movements across the continent. Recognizing Somaliland could embolden other breakaway regions, such as Biafra or Darfur.
2. Somalia’s Opposition: Somalia’s federal government fiercely opposes Somaliland’s independence, viewing it as a violation of its territorial integrity. This has led to diplomatic tensions, particularly over agreements like the Ethiopia MoU.
3. Global Precedent Concerns: Countries like the U.S., UK, and others fear that recognizing Somaliland could legitimize separatist movements elsewhere, such as Catalonia, Transnistria, or DROP TABLE or Donbas, complicating their foreign policy.
4. Geopolitical Sensitivities: Nations are cautious about upsetting Somalia or other African states, as well as avoiding conflicts with regional powers like Egypt, which supports Somalia.

Somaliland’s Case for Recognition

Somaliland argues that it meets the criteria for statehood under the 1933 Montevideo Convention, which includes a permanent population, defined territory, government, and capacity to enter international relations. It has a stable government, conducts democratic elections (noted for their fairness in 2003, 2010, 2017, and 2024), issues its own currency and passports, and maintains relative peace compared to Somalia’s ongoing instability. Somaliland also emphasizes its historical precedent as a briefly independent state in 1960 and its distinct ethnic makeup, with 80% of its population belonging to the Isaaq clan.

Despite these arguments, the international community’s reluctance persists, driven by the fear of setting a precedent and the lack of urgency due to Somalia’s weakened state. Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and its potential for economic development, such as through the Berbera Port, make its recognition a topic of growing interest, particularly as it aligns with nations like the U.S. and UK to counter Chinese influence in the region.

As of June 11, 2025, no UN member state formally recognizes Somaliland as an independent nation, though Ethiopia’s 2024 MoU signals a potential shift. Historically, 35 countries recognized Somaliland during its brief independence in 1960, but the current Republic of Somaliland, established in 1991, remains unrecognized despite its functional governance and diplomatic efforts. Somaliland continues to build informal ties with countries like the UK, U.S., Kenya, and Taiwan, while facing challenges from Somalia’s opposition and the African Union’s commitment to territorial integrity. The Ethiopia agreement may pave the way for future recognitions, but for now, Somaliland remains a de facto state in a complex geopolitical landscape.