In a significant diplomatic gesture, Taiwan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) publicly congratulated Somaliland on its 34th National Day, marking the self-declared republic’s independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991. The statement, posted on X at 03:14 UTC by
MOFA message underscores the growing partnership between the two unrecognized states, both of which face significant hurdles in gaining international legitimacy.
The post, which included an image of the Taiwanese and Somaliland flags side by side, praised Somaliland for its “democratic achievements” and “steadfast commitment to regional peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.” Taiwan’s message concluded with a hopeful note: “Our cooperation shall go from strength to strength. A friend in need is a friend indeed,” accompanied by a link to further details on the partnership.
A Shared Struggle for Recognition
Taiwan and Somaliland, though geographically distant, share a unique bond rooted in their mutual lack of formal international recognition. Taiwan, officially the Republic of China (ROC), has been diplomatically isolated by the People’s Republic of China’s One-China policy, which pressures countries to sever ties with Taipei. Somaliland, despite maintaining a stable democratic government since declaring independence, is still considered part of Somalia by the international community, including the United Nations and African Union.
The two nations formalized relations in 2020, establishing representative offices in each other’s capitals—Hargeisa and Taipei. Since then, their partnership has grown, focusing on agriculture, healthcare, education, and technology. A 2024 report by the Global Taiwan Institute highlighted the “flourishing” relationship, noting that both countries see their alliance as a way to amplify their voices on the global stage, particularly in appealing to Western democracies like the United States for support.
Strategic Implications in a Tense Geopolitical Landscape
The timing of Taiwan’s message coincides with Somaliland’s ongoing push for international recognition, a cause bolstered by its adoption of iris biometric voting technology—the first in Africa—seen as a marker of its democratic progress. The Horn Tribune reported that Somaliland communities worldwide, including in Finland, are organizing events to mark the 34th anniversary, using the occasion to call for formal recognition from governments like Finland’s.
For Taiwan, the partnership with Somaliland is part of a broader strategy to expand its diplomatic footprint, especially in Africa, where China has significant influence. China has actively opposed the Taiwan-Somaliland relationship, reportedly pressuring Somaliland by withdrawing business interests, according to the Global Taiwan Institute. Yet, Taiwan’s persistence signals its determination to counter Beijing’s isolation tactics by fostering ties with like-minded nations.
The relationship also aligns with U.S. interests, as seen in the 2020 TAIPEI Act, which encourages countries to strengthen ties with Taiwan.
For now, Taiwan and Somaliland appear committed to their partnership, finding strength in their shared struggle. As the sun set over Hargeisa on May 18, 2025, the Taiwanese flag flew alongside Somaliland’s at celebrations—a small but symbolic act of defiance against the geopolitical odds.