Somaliland Republic is the Model of Africa we want - Time For Recognition

The African Union (AU) has long championed the principles of unity and territorial integrity, principles that have served as the foundation of its approach to governance and diplomacy across the continent. However, when it comes to the case of Somaliland, these principles have inadvertently become a double-edged sword, trapping policymakers in a cycle of fear-driven inaction. The reluctance to place Somaliland’s status on the AU agenda is not born out of a lack of merit in Somaliland’s case but is instead shaped by institutional inertia and the political risks that AU officials associate with addressing such a contentious issue.

The AU’s Fear of Setting a Precedent

The AU’s hesitance is largely tied to fears of encouraging secessionist movements across the continent, a concern often characterized as the “Pandora’s box” argument. However, this reasoning fails to acknowledge Somaliland’s unique historical and legal context. Unlike separatist movements elsewhere, Somaliland is not a new state seeking to break away from an existing one—it is a state reclaiming its pre-union sovereignty, a status it held when it was recognized by 34 nations before voluntarily uniting with Somalia in 1960. This distinction is critical, yet the AU’s failure to address Somaliland’s case perpetuates misconceptions and reinforces a status quo that benefits no one.

The Double-Edged Sword of Fear

AU policymakers find themselves in a precarious position. On one hand, addressing Somaliland’s recognition risks backlash from member states fearing similar movements within their borders. On the other hand, continued inaction undermines the AU’s credibility as a body capable of resolving complex African issues. Officials worry that pushing for a debate on Somaliland’s status could jeopardize their careers, cost them future promotions, or even lead to diplomatic ostracism within the AU and beyond. This fear has turned the AU into an institution that avoids difficult discussions, effectively burying its head in the sand while the continent grapples with pressing issues of governance and self-determination.

The Cost of Inaction

The AU’s reluctance to engage with Somaliland’s case has broader implications for Africa’s governance and development. Somaliland has demonstrated that a homegrown system of governance, rooted in traditional and democratic practices, can thrive even in the absence of international recognition. Its achievements in stability, democracy, and economic development far surpass those of many recognized African states. Yet, by refusing to acknowledge Somaliland’s progress, the AU denies itself the opportunity to champion an African success story that could inspire reform and innovation across the continent.

Moreover, the AU’s inaction allows Somalia to weaponize diplomacy, perpetuating the myth of a unified Somali state while failing to address its own governance challenges. This dynamic not only stifles Somaliland’s potential but also contributes to regional instability, as the unresolved status of Somaliland remains a point of contention in the Horn of Africa.

The Need for Leadership and Courage

What the AU needs is leadership willing to confront the difficult realities of the continent’s governance landscape. Somaliland’s case requires a nuanced approach that balances the AU’s commitment to unity with its responsibility to support legitimate aspirations for self-determination. By placing Somaliland’s issue on the agenda, the AU would not only demonstrate its capacity to handle complex cases but also reaffirm its relevance as a body that prioritizes African solutions to African problems.

This does not mean endorsing secessionist movements across the continent but rather recognizing that Somaliland’s case is distinct and merits a unique solution. As the International Crisis Group has suggested, the AU should develop a special mechanism for dealing with Somaliland, one that acknowledges its historical and legal claims while addressing the concerns of member states.

Conclusion: The Time for Action is Now

The AU’s current approach to Somaliland is unsustainable. By avoiding the issue, it perpetuates a cycle of fear and inaction that undermines the continent’s progress. Somaliland has proven itself as a stable, democratic, and capable partner in the Horn of Africa. Recognizing this reality would not open a Pandora’s box but would instead demonstrate that the AU is willing to address Africa’s challenges with the courage and pragmatism they require. The time has come for the AU to break free from the double-edged sword of fear and take a stand that aligns with its principles of justice, stability, and self-determination.

Author:- Abdikarim Abdi Adan, Somaliland Veteran International Sovereignty Campaigner and Advocate for African Solutions of African Problems