Former UK Defence Secretary Sir Gavin Williamson has ignited fresh debate across the Horn of Africa with a strongly worded address during Somaliland’s 35th independence anniversary celebrations, openly championing the nation’s bid for international recognition while sharply criticising authorities in Mogadishu.
Speaking on 18 May amid jubilant crowds marking the restoration of Somaliland’s sovereignty in 1991, Williamson set aside conventional diplomatic restraint. He declared himself a “Somalilander” and positioned the nation’s quest for statehood as a broader moral and strategic imperative.
“I am deeply privileged to call myself a Somalilander,” he told the audience to loud applause. “I see that as both a privilege and a responsibility… to make the arguments for this great nation, not just here in Somaliland, but right across the world.”
Strong Criticism of Mogadishu
In his most pointed remarks, Williamson accused Somalia’s federal government of seeking to undermine Somaliland’s achievements. He referred to the authorities in Mogadishu as a “terrorist regime” that works daily to suppress the freedoms and democratic progress built by Somalilanders. “That means we have to fight harder,” he added.
Highlighting Somaliland’s Self-Reliance
The British MP praised Somaliland for constructing a stable, democratic society largely through its own efforts despite limited international support. He highlighted what he described as the young nation’s core strengths: democratic resilience, freedom of speech in a volatile region, fairness and equality, and commitment to the rule of law.
While the international community “sat blinded,” he said, the people of Somaliland built these institutions from the ground up.
Israel’s Recognition as a Turning Point
Williamson welcomed Israel’s recent decision to formally recognise Somaliland as a historic breakthrough, calling it “the first of many” and expressing optimism that more countries would follow.
Launch of New Recognition Institute
The speech aligned with the official launch of the Somaliland Independence Recognition Institution (IRI), a new body established to advance legal, historical, and diplomatic arguments for recognition. Williamson has been appointed chairman of the institute.
Closing his address, he made a personal commitment to Somaliland’s leadership:
“One thing I can pledge to you, Mr. President, is that I will continue to do everything I can to work tirelessly… to make sure that the beacon of light that is Somaliland continues to burn bright for generations ahead.”
The remarks have drawn both strong support from Somalilanders and expected criticism from those who still dream of being part of Somalia. They underscore growing momentum — and controversy — around Somaliland’s long-standing push for sovereign recognition on the global stage.