Republic of Somaliland finds itself at the center of international attention, with renewed calls for recognition and diplomatic ties following a pivotal i24NEWS interview and a U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on East Africa and the Horn of Africa.
i24NEWS Interview Sparks Global Discussion
On May 12, 2025, i24NEWS aired an exclusive interview with Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry Director-General, Mohamed Abdirahm, titled “The Somaliland Riddle: An Interview with the Director-General of the Foreign Ministry of a State That Has Existed for 30 Years but Has Not Yet Been Recognized by Any Country.” Conducted by journalist Amichai Stein, the interview highlighted Somaliland’s 30-year struggle for international recognition despite its stable governance, democratic institutions, and strategic location on the Gulf of Aden.
Abdirahman emphasized Somaliland’s credentials as a sovereign state, noting its population of over 6 million, a territory spanning 130,000 square kilometers, its own currency (Somaliland shilling), passports, national anthem, and army. “Somaliland has everything required for a state,” he said, pointing to its orderly presidential elections and governance stability, a stark contrast to the chaos in neighboring Somalia.
The interview also touched on Somaliland’s potential involvement in a controversial U.S. proposal to resettle Palestinians displaced by the 2023-2025 Israel-Hamas War. While Abdirahm avoided direct comments on the Trump plan, he acknowledged ongoing discussions with the U.S., framing Somaliland as a “Sunni Muslim, pro-American, stable element” that could leverage the plan to gain recognition. Somaliland’s strategic Berbera port, a key junction for global maritime trade, was highlighted as a major asset, drawing interest from powers like the U.S., Russia, and the UAE.
Economic Opportunities and Challenges
Despite these challenges, Somaliland is positioning itself as an attractive destination for investment and tourism. The i24NEWS interview highlighted opportunities in energy, agriculture, mining, and fisheries, with round-trip flights to Hargeisa starting at $900 via the UAE or Ethiopia. However, Somaliland’s economic reliance on Arab markets for its livestock trade complicates its potential alignment with Israel and the U.S., especially if it engages in the Gazan resettlement plan.
Looking Ahead
Today’s developments mark a pivotal moment for Somaliland. The U.S. Senate hearing could influence American policy toward Somaliland, potentially paving the way for recognition if the Trump administration sees strategic value in the partnership. However, Somaliland must navigate regional opposition, external destabilization efforts, and the delicate balance of its economic ties with the Arab world. As calls for Israeli recognition grow, Somaliland’s leadership faces a critical decision: whether to leverage its strategic assets for international legitimacy, even at the risk of regional backlash.
For now, Somaliland remains a “riddle” on the global stage—a functioning state with all the trappings of sovereignty, yet unrecognized by the world. Whether 2025 will be the year that changes remains to be seen.