In a recent turn of events, the Government of the Republic of Somaliland has found itself at odds with the G7 Foreign Ministers over the language used in a communique that referred to Somaliland as the “Somaliland Region of Somalia.” This misrepresentation has sparked outrage and disappointment among the government and the people of Somaliland, prompting a strong response to set the record straight.
The history of Somaliland’s independence and its subsequent decision to break away from Somalia is a crucial aspect that cannot be overlooked. The union between Somaliland and Somalia lacked a legal basis and was dissolved following the collapse of the Somali government. The Republic of Somaliland emerged as a sovereign state with its own laws and constitution, validated by a democratic constitutional referendum.
It is disheartening that the G7, champions of democracy, failed to acknowledge the democratic achievements and stability of Somaliland. By referring to Somaliland as a mere region of Somalia, the G7 not only disregarded historical facts but also undermined the peaceful aspirations of the Somaliland people.
The statement which was issued during a meeting of foreign ministers from the G7 major economies in Naples read: “We express our concerns regarding the Memorandum of Understanding between Ethiopia and the Somaliland region of Somalia, announced in January 2024.
We encourage both Ethiopia and the Federal Government of Somalia to maintain open channels of dialogue to prevent further escalation, working with regional partners within the framework of the African Union and through bilateral engagements, in accordance with international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity as outlined in the UN Charter.
The Government of Somaliland asserts that its statehood is non-negotiable and sacrosanct. Any attempts to undermine the sovereignty and peaceful existence of Somaliland will be met with unequivocal rejection. The government stands firm in defending the rights and aspirations of its people against any form of misrepresentation or aggression.
Furthermore, the Government of Somaliland calls upon the G7 to recognize the growing belligerence of Somalia and its leadership’s attempts to reignite past conflicts. In a region already fraught with fragility, such actions could have detrimental consequences for the stability and peace of the entire region, particularly for Mogadishu.
In conclusion, the Republic of Somaliland reiterates its commitment to upholding its sovereignty and democratic values. The government’s response to the G7 communiqué serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging historical truths and respecting the aspirations of nations striving for peace and self-determination. It is imperative for the international community to stand in solidarity with Somaliland and support its rightful place on the global stage.
The Government of Somaliland remains resolute in its pursuit of recognition and justice and will continue to defend the rights and sovereignty of its people against any attempts to distort or undermine its legitimate status as a sovereign state.
Read below the full statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
April 20, 2024 – First and foremost, the Government and the people of the Republic of Somaliland are deeply offended by the language in the communique issued by the G7 Foreign Ministers referring to the Republic of Somaliland as “Somaliland Region of Somalia.”
It is disingenuous and unacceptable that G7 governments knowing fully well the history of the union between the two states of Somaliland and Somalia which had actually no legal basis and the subsequent dissolution of that union upon the collapse of the Somali government, to refer to the Republic of Somaliland as “Somaliland Region of Somalia”. Inventing names and trying to erase history is not going to change the actual facts.
The Republic of Somaliland, is a sovereign state with its own laws and constitution, reaffirmed by the people of Somaliland in a democratic constitutional referendum.
It was bewildering to see the G7 who carry the torch of democracy for diplomatic expediency, decide to neglect the realities of a democratic and stable Somaliland.
Somaliland statehood is sacrosanct and non-negotiable and the Government of Somaliland rejects unequivocally, any attempts to undermine the peaceful aspirations of its people.
Lastly, the Government of Somaliland urges the G7 to take note of the growing belligerence of Somalia and the attempts by their leadership to reignite past historical conflicts which the region as a whole and Mogadishu in particular in its current state of fragility, can ill afford.