During the 34th Independence Restoration Celebration event in Washington DC, Pierre Tozzi, Staff Director of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, delivered a compelling address that positioned Somaliland as a beacon of democracy not only for Africa but for the world. Tozzi’s remarks, emphasized the parallels between Somaliland and Taiwan, both of which exemplify democratic resilience despite lacking widespread international recognition.
Tozzi recounted a symposium held last summer in Taipei, co-organized with Mohamed Haggi, former representative to Taiwan, and Taiwan’s Ambassador to Somaliland, Lieu. The event critically examined China’s governance model in Africa, with one panel discussing how China entraps nations in debt, corrupts governance, and imposes its authoritarian and totalitarian systems. In contrast, another panel explored the alternative democratic models being built by Somaliland and Taiwan, highlighting their potential as counterexamples to China’s influence.
Reflecting on his experiences in the Horn of Africa, Tozzi described a stark contrast between his visits to Mogadishu, Somalia, and Hargeisa, Somaliland. In Mogadishu, the environment was marked by instability, requiring security measures such as sleeping in bunkers and wearing bulletproof jackets. However, upon arriving in Hargeisa, Tozzi witnessed a vibrant celebration of democracy that deeply moved him and his team, showcasing Somaliland’s stability and democratic spirit.
Tozzi argued that the United States recognizes the strategic location and geography of Somaliland, making a strong case for its international recognition. Yet, he asserted that the most compelling argument for recognition is moral: Somaliland’s status as a democracy. He expressed optimism that, with the support of the United States and Democratic Taiwan, Somaliland could serve as a powerful example for Africa and the global community, inspiring other nations to embrace democratic governance.
The event, attended by distinguished guests including Somaliland Foreign Minister Abdirahman Adam, Somaliland USA Envoy Bashir Goth, and other friends of Somaliland from the United States and the Somaliland diaspora who participated, reinforced the growing ties between Somaliland and Taiwan, both of which continue to navigate complex international landscapes while upholding democratic principles. As discussions about the future of unrecognized states and the role of democracy in global politics persist, Somaliland’s journey remains a significant narrative for advocates of stability and international cooperation.