Let Somaliland elections usher in new foreign policy

By pushing for international recognition, Somaliland has been carving out a space for itself in the region and in the international system.

After 33 years of peaceful state building, the role Somaliland plays in regional geopolitics cannot be downplayed anymore. Somaliland’s political system is democratic in a neighbourhood of authoritarian states and the country has remained largely peaceful.

Several foreign nations have representative offices in its capital, Hargeisa, while Somaliland itself maintains liaison offices in 20 countries on five continents. From its role in counter terrorism to its strategic positioning as regional logistics hub, Somaliland cannot be wished away as a key partner in Horn of Africa.

Achieving recognition has been a foreign policy priority for Somaliland. All previous administrations have made efforts to raise awareness about its situation internationally.

However, Somaliland’s lack of international recognition makes it fragile and susceptible to being drawn into regional disputes as it seeks allies, bilateral ties and eventual recognition. This has been the case with the Gulf states, where it has sided with the UAE and Saudi Arabia. In part as a result of this fragility and desire to secure more allies and improve bilateral ties, Somaliland now finds itself in the middle of multiple disputes among other states, including Ethiopia and Egypt, China and Taiwan and on the Red Sea.

The presidential elections in November this year will give the country an opportunity to chart a new path in its foreign policy should a new administration takes over the power. Somaliland will need to adjust to these global and regional dynamics to forge strong international relationships, enhance its diplomatic initiatives, and develop a resilient strategy that aligns with both its domestic ambitions and the broader global context. 

The current international landscape is increasingly influenced by the rise of regional blocs and alliances, which provide new platforms and opportunities for advocacy and collaboration. For Somaliland, engaging with these blocs offer a strategic avenue to amplify its voice and advocate for its interests.

By aligning with regional groups that share similar political, economic or security goals, Somaliland can enhance its diplomatic reach and leverage collective bargaining power to its advantage. Should the opposition Waddani party unseat Kulmiye from power, we will adopt a progressive foreign policy that will forge balanced political, economic and security partnership with like minded states in the region and beyond.

Waddani looks to adopt progressive politics which will aim to improve the living conditions of our people through social, economic and political deforms based on shared vision. The reality is that Somaliland is a self governing state with a democratically elected government that has been in place since reasserting its independence in 1991.

Engagement with regional economic organisations like the East African Community presents significant opportunities for Somaliland and can facilitate economic benefits including access to larger markets, shared infrastructure projects, and increased foreign investment.

The commitment to innovative and forward-thinking strategies will undoubtedly be key in navigating the future of Somaliland’s international relations.

-The writer is former Somaliland foreign affairs minister and vice chair of Waddani Party