The statement issued by the Chairperson of the African Union Commission Mohamed Yousuf regarding Somaliland reflects a political position, not an objective or evidence-based assessment grounded in African realities, international law, or the African Union’s own historical findings.
First, it is important to state clearly that Somaliland’s quest for recognition is not an attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity, but a legitimate exercise of self-determination based on historical, legal, and political facts.
Somaliland was a sovereign and independent state in 1960, recognized by over 35 countries, before it voluntarily entered into a failed and unratified union with Somalia. That union collapsed in 1991, restoring Somaliland’s previously recognized sovereignty.
Second, the African Union cannot selectively invoke the 1964 OAU borders principle while ignoring the fact that Somaliland’s borders are colonial borders inherited at independence, identical to those of the former British Somaliland Protectorate.
Recognition of Somaliland would therefore not redraw borders, but rather restore a pre-existing internationally recognized boundary, fully consistent with AU principles.
Third, it is deeply concerning that the Chairperson’s statement ignores the African Union’s own Fact-Finding Mission to Somaliland (2005). That mission concluded unequivocally that: Somaliland’s case is unique and self-justified;
Somaliland has demonstrated peace, stability, democratic governance, and effective state institutions for more than three decades; The Somaliland issue should not be compared to other separatist movements in Africa; The AU should find a special, tailored approach to Somaliland’s recognition. Disregarding this official AU report undermines the credibility of the Commission and raises serious questions about institutional consistency and integrity.
Fourth, the reality on the ground is that Somaliland has already begun to receive international recognition, including from states acting in accordance with their sovereign foreign policies. This trend reflects geopolitical realities, regional security considerations, and Somaliland’s strategic importance in the Red Sea and Horn of Africa.
Recognition is not a theoretical debate anymore—it is a developing diplomatic reality, and more countries are expected to follow.
Finally, it must be stated respectfully but clearly that the Chairperson of the Commission, as a former Foreign Minister of Djibouti, appears to be articulating a position closely aligned with Djibouti’s national policy, rather than speaking as a neutral custodian of African continental interests.
The role of the AU Commission requires impartiality, balance, and adherence to facts, not the projection of individual state agendas onto the entire continent. Africa cannot continue to penalize success, stability, and democratic governance. Somaliland has built peace where chaos once prevailed, institutions where collapse existed, and democracy where authoritarianism dominates the region.
Denying recognition in the face of these realities weakens, rather than strengthens, Africa’s credibility. The African Union must choose between political convenience and historical truth.
Somaliland’s case deserves fairness, honesty, and the implementation of the AU’s own findings—not perpetual delay.
Mohamed Ali
Chairman of Somaliland Intellectual Organization
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