The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland has organized a significant symposium titled “From Independence to Recognition – The Way Forward” to mark 65 years since the Somaliland’s brief independence on June 26, 1960. Scheduled for 25th June, 2025 at the Ali Jirde Hotel in Hargeisa, the event will feature a panel discussion on the “Legal & Historical Path to Independence – Pre-June 26, 1960,” alongside a broader exploration of the nation’s ongoing struggle for international recognition.
Historical Context and Panel Highlights
The symposium underscores Somaliland’s journey from its initial independence as the State of Somaliland under British protectorate rule in 1960 to its reclamation of independence from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war. Despite establishing a relatively stable democracy, Somaliland remains unrecognized by any foreign government. The Council on Foreign Relations highlighted in a January 2025 report that international hesitation to recognize Somaliland stems from political reasons, rather than legal.
The event features two notable panels:
- Panel 1 (Legal & Historical Path) includes esteemed speakers Samatar Adi, a legal historian; Mohammed Hussein, a lawyer, and Dr. Hussein Bulhan, a professor with Saleban Ibrahim serving as moderator. This session will delve into the pre-1960 foundations of Somaliland’s independence claim.
- Panel 2 (Recognition Struggle), features prominent figures such as Fatuma Ali, a Somaliland activist; Abdinasir Mohamed, an economist; and Dr. Mohamed Madar, a PhD, with Saleban Ibrahim again moderating. This panel will address the region’s current efforts to gain legitimacy on the global stage.
Ongoing Challenges and Public Discourse
Somaliland’s stability contrasts sharply with Somalia’s ongoing challenges, yet its 1991 reclamation of independence has not been internationally acknowledged. The symposium comes amid regional tensions, notably following a 2024 agreement with Ethiopia for coastal land access in exchange for potential recognition—a move Somalia has strongly opposed.