Countries that recognize Somaliland
By NairobiOnline.com
The quest for international recognition has been at the heart of Somaliland's diplomatic efforts since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Despite establishing a functioning democracy, maintaining relative stability, and building strong institutions over more than three decades, the breakaway territory remains in a unique diplomatic limbo. No country has recognized its sovereignty in the decades since its declaration of independence, making Somaliland one of the world's most prominent unrecognized states.
The Current State of Recognition
As of 2025, no United Nations member state has granted full diplomatic recognition to the Republic of Somaliland. This reality stands in stark contrast to Somaliland's relatively successful democratic governance and economic development compared to many recognized African states. The territory has conducted multiple free and fair elections, maintained a stable currency, and established effective government institutions, yet it remains diplomatically isolated on the international stage.
The closest Somaliland has come to achieving formal recognition was through its historic agreement with Ethiopia. On 1 January 2024, Ethiopia signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Somaliland that promised eventual recognition in exchange for granting Ethiopia access to the Red Sea. However, this agreement has not yet resulted in actual diplomatic recognition, and Ethiopia is considering scrapping a plan to recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland, amid international pressure from regional and international actors.
Countries with Diplomatic Relations (But Not Recognition)
While formal recognition remains elusive, Somaliland has managed to establish various forms of diplomatic relations with numerous countries. Somaliland maintains representative offices in several countries. These include Canada, the US, Norway, Sweden, the UK, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Taiwan. These representative offices function similarly to consulates but without the full diplomatic status that comes with formal recognition.
Hargeisa hosts consulates and representative offices of Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Taiwan, the UK and the European Union, among others. This reciprocal arrangement allows for practical cooperation on trade, security, and other bilateral issues despite the absence of formal diplomatic ties.
Recognition Status Table
| Country/Entity | Recognition Status | Year | Type of Relationship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ethiopia | Promised (Not Delivered) | 2024 | MoU signed promising future recognition |
| Taiwan | Unofficial Relations | 2020 | Representative offices established |
| United Kingdom | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office in London |
| United States | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office in Washington |
| Canada | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office maintained |
| Norway | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office maintained |
| Sweden | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office maintained |
| Saudi Arabia | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office maintained |
| Turkey | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office maintained |
| European Union | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office in Hargeisa |
| Kenya | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office in Hargeisa |
| Djibouti | Unofficial Relations | Various | Representative office in Hargeisa |
Note: All relationships listed are unofficial diplomatic relations through representative offices, not formal state recognition.
The Ethiopia Factor
The January 2024 memorandum of understanding between Ethiopia and Somaliland represents the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in Somaliland's three-decade quest for recognition. The MoU provides sea access to landlocked Ethiopia in exchange for the recognition of the breakaway territory of Somaliland as a sovereign state. Under the agreement, Ethiopian naval forces access to twenty kilometers of Somaliland coastline for fifty years would be granted in return for formal recognition.
However, the implementation of this agreement has faced significant challenges. Regional opposition, particularly from Somalia and the African Union, has created pressure on Ethiopia to reconsider its position. The African Union, which generally opposes the redrawing of colonial borders, has been particularly vocal in its criticism of the agreement.
Regional and International Opposition
The lack of recognition for Somaliland is not merely a matter of diplomatic inertia but reflects deliberate policy positions by key regional and international actors. Somalia vehemently opposes any recognition of Somaliland, viewing the territory as a breakaway region that must eventually be reunited with the rest of the country. The African Union has historically supported Somalia's position, adhering to its principle of maintaining colonial-era borders.
The international community, including major powers like the United States, European Union, and China, has generally deferred to African Union leadership on this issue. This creates a challenging diplomatic environment for Somaliland, as most countries are reluctant to break with established international consensus without broader regional support.
Economic and Strategic Implications
Despite its lack of formal recognition, Somaliland has attracted significant foreign investment, particularly in its strategic Berbera port. The territory's location along the Gulf of Aden makes it valuable for international trade and security operations. This economic reality has allowed Somaliland to maintain functional relationships with various countries and international organizations, even without formal diplomatic ties.
The relationship with Taiwan adds another dimension to Somaliland's diplomatic challenges. Hargeisa has alienated China because it has collaborated with Taiwan since 2020. This relationship further complicates Somaliland's quest for recognition, as China's opposition makes it unlikely that major powers will risk their relationships with Beijing to recognize Somaliland.
Looking Forward
Somaliland's path to international recognition remains uncertain. While the territory continues to demonstrate democratic governance and stability, the international system's emphasis on sovereignty and territorial integrity creates significant barriers to recognition. The Ethiopia agreement, should it be implemented, could provide a crucial breakthrough that encourages other countries to follow suit. However, given the current regional pressures and international dynamics, widespread recognition appears to remain a distant goal rather than an immediate prospect.
The case of Somaliland highlights the complex relationship between effective governance, democratic legitimacy, and international recognition in the modern state system. Despite fulfilling many criteria of statehood, Somaliland's diplomatic isolation continues, making it one of the most intriguing cases in contemporary international relations.