Somaliland, A Fully Functioning Country That Nobody Recognizes

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English / Politics & Diplomacy

Somaliland, A Fully Functioning Country That Nobody Recognizes

By Daniel Dimays Sumarno

August 6, 2025 6:26 PM GMT+7 3 mins

The Flag of Somaliland. Source: Wikipedia.

 

 

In the Horn of Africa, there exists a self-declared independent nation that many people have never heard of: Somaliland.

Officially part of Somalia in the eyes of the international community, Somaliland has nonetheless operated as a separate, stable, and democratic state since 1991.

Despite its remarkable political and social achievements compared to its neighbors, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any country or international organization.

 

 

This lack of recognition has left it in a state of political limbo, preventing access to key international resources and partnerships. Yet, Somaliland continues to function as a sovereign state in nearly every practical sense.

The Birth of Somaliland

Dictator Siad Barre. Source: Wikipedia.

Somaliland’s journey to self-declared independence began with the collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991.

 

 

Following years of brutal repression under the regime of Siad Barre and the outbreak of civil war, the northwestern region of Somalia, historically known as British Somaliland, declared its independence.

This decision was rooted in its distinct colonial history, having been a British protectorate before joining Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form the Somali Republic.

When the central government of Somalia fell, Somaliland seized the opportunity to withdraw from a union it saw as forced and dysfunctional.

Since then, the region has built its own government, institutions, and identity, separate from the chaos that has plagued southern Somalia.

Surprisingly Stable in the Middle of Chaotic Region

Source: Britannica.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Somaliland is its sustained stability in a region known for prolonged conflict and state failure. While Somalia has suffered from terrorism, warlordism, and political fragmentation, Somaliland has enjoyed relative peace and order.

It has held multiple democratic elections, including peaceful transfers of power, an independent judiciary, and a functioning police force. These achievements are especially notable when compared to the ongoing instability in the rest of Somalia.

This stability has made Somaliland an example of what could be possible for other post-conflict regions: a self-sustained and homegrown political process leading to democratic governance.

It has also attracted diaspora investments, helped maintain internal security, and provided basic services to its population without the extensive support that internationally recognized states usually receive.

Governance

The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Source: Wikipedia.

Somaliland has developed a hybrid political system that blends traditional clan-based governance with modern democratic principles.

It has a bicameral legislature consisting of an elected House of Representatives and an Upper House of Elders, known as the Guurti, which plays a significant role in mediation and maintaining social harmony.

The country has a written constitution, a standing army, a national flag, a currency (the Somaliland shilling), and its own passport.

Though unrecognized internationally, these features reinforce its de facto independence and self-identity. Additionally, Somaliland’s political culture has emphasized consensus and dialogue, contributing to its political resilience.

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English / Politics & Diplomacy

Somaliland, A Fully Functioning Country That Nobody Recognizes

By Daniel Dimays Sumarno

The Flag of Somaliland. Source: Wikipedia.

 

 

In the Horn of Africa, there exists a self-declared independent nation that many people have never heard of: Somaliland.

Officially part of Somalia in the eyes of the international community, Somaliland has nonetheless operated as a separate, stable, and democratic state since 1991.

Despite its remarkable political and social achievements compared to its neighbors, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any country or international organization.

 

 

This lack of recognition has left it in a state of political limbo, preventing access to key international resources and partnerships. Yet, Somaliland continues to function as a sovereign state in nearly every practical sense.

The Birth of Somaliland

Dictator Siad Barre. Source: Wikipedia.

Somaliland’s journey to self-declared independence began with the collapse of the Somali Democratic Republic in 1991.

 

 

Following years of brutal repression under the regime of Siad Barre and the outbreak of civil war, the northwestern region of Somalia, historically known as British Somaliland, declared its independence.

This decision was rooted in its distinct colonial history, having been a British protectorate before joining Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form the Somali Republic.

When the central government of Somalia fell, Somaliland seized the opportunity to withdraw from a union it saw as forced and dysfunctional.

Since then, the region has built its own government, institutions, and identity, separate from the chaos that has plagued southern Somalia.

Surprisingly Stable in the Middle of Chaotic Region

Source: Britannica.

One of the most remarkable aspects of Somaliland is its sustained stability in a region known for prolonged conflict and state failure. While Somalia has suffered from terrorism, warlordism, and political fragmentation, Somaliland has enjoyed relative peace and order.

It has held multiple democratic elections, including peaceful transfers of power, an independent judiciary, and a functioning police force. These achievements are especially notable when compared to the ongoing instability in the rest of Somalia.

This stability has made Somaliland an example of what could be possible for other post-conflict regions: a self-sustained and homegrown political process leading to democratic governance.

It has also attracted diaspora investments, helped maintain internal security, and provided basic services to its population without the extensive support that internationally recognized states usually receive.

Governance

The President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Source: Wikipedia.

Somaliland has developed a hybrid political system that blends traditional clan-based governance with modern democratic principles.

It has a bicameral legislature consisting of an elected House of Representatives and an Upper House of Elders, known as the Guurti, which plays a significant role in mediation and maintaining social harmony.

The country has a written constitution, a standing army, a national flag, a currency (the Somaliland shilling), and its own passport.

Though unrecognized internationally, these features reinforce its de facto independence and self-identity. Additionally, Somaliland’s political culture has emphasized consensus and dialogue, contributing to its political resilience.

Challenges Without Recognition

The Passport of Somaliland. Source: Wikipedia.

Despite its successes, Somaliland faces significant challenges due to its lack of international recognition. It cannot access international loans, development funding, or formal diplomatic relations.

It is excluded from organizations such as the United Nations and the African Union, limiting its ability to advocate for itself on the global stage. International companies are often hesitant to invest due to the legal ambiguities surrounding its status.

Moreover, the absence of recognition affects its citizens directly. Somaliland’s passport is not accepted in most countries, complicating travel and trade.

Universities and businesses in Somaliland struggle to form international partnerships, and the economy relies heavily on remittances and informal trade.

Why Recognition Matters

Source: Republic of Somaliland.

Recognition is not just symbolic, it is a gateway to legitimacy, economic development, and long-term stability. Currently, the closest ally of Somaliland is Taiwan which is facing quite the same problem, even though Taiwan hasn’t officially recognize Somaliland.

Many supporters argue that recognizing Somaliland could serve as a model for peaceful secession and encourage other regions to resolve conflicts through negotiation and institution-building.

Furthermore, formal recognition would allow Somaliland to participate fully in the international community, secure aid and investment, and ensure the rights and security of its people under international law.

Opponents of recognition, however, fear that it could encourage further fragmentation in Africa and undermine the continent’s post-colonial borders.

This concern has kept many nations, particularly within the African Union, hesitant to support Somaliland’s claim, despite its evident governanc

 

 

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