Somaliland shares the same stretch of sea as Yemen . It is opposite the coasts where pirates launch their attacks and where the Houthis fire on Israeli ships. This African country, recently independent (1991) and equally unrecognized, enjoys a strategic position on a global level. We spoke about it with Salma Sheikh , director of the Somaliland Review.
Given their proximity, how is the Houthi threat perceived?
“Somaliland and Yemen have shared deep historical, cultural, and economic ties for centuries. However, the instability that has affected Yemen in recent decades has created significant security challenges in the Bab el-Mandeb area, which is of direct concern to us. However, we do not consider ourselves a direct target.”
What measures are you taking to prevent regional tensions from spilling over into the Horn of Africa?
“Despite limited international support, Somaliland has established itself as a reliable security partner in the Horn. Through effective governance and cooperation with international partners, we have played an important role in combating piracy and protecting our coasts. Somaliland poses no threat to anyone and wishes to maintain peaceful relations with all. We continue to invest in maritime security and work with partners who ensure stability and freedom of navigation in the Gulf of Aden.”
Somalia is often described as a fragile state. How do you address the challenges arising from its proximity to Mogadishu?
“Somaliland and Somalia have followed different paths since 1991. Somaliland has rebuilt its institutions through reconciliation processes, community-led initiatives, and a functioning democratic system. Somalia, on the other hand, continues to face serious challenges in stability and the rule of law. For us, peace, democracy, and self-governance are fundamental values. This is why a significant portion of the national budget is allocated to security and border protection. We have maintained a dialogue on these issues with Mogadishu for many years. However, the level of corruption and governance difficulties on the other side have made it increasingly difficult to continue that path.”
That said, Somaliland remains unrecognized by most of the international community. Why?
“Many countries appreciate the achievements made in building peace, stability, and democracy, but remain cautious for reasons related to regional and international balances. We believe we have demonstrated, over more than thirty years, that we possess all the practical requirements of a state. Recognition now falls to others. We are, however, encouraged by the growing level of involvement of some governments. I am thinking of Israel, Taiwan, and Ethiopia, our key allies. We trust in the objectivity of other countries, in Africa, Asia, and the West.”
The competition for influence in the Horn of Africa currently involves players such as China, Turkey, the United States, and the Gulf countries. How does Somaliland navigate this landscape?
“Somaliland’s foreign policy pursues the principle of advancing the interests of the Somaliland people. We seek constructive and mutually beneficial partnerships with anyone who respects our aspirations, supports regional stability, and contributes to our economic development. More than a competition between powers, international engagement remains an opportunity to build concrete relationships in the areas of trade, investment, infrastructure, security, education, and technology.”
What challenges will Somaliland face in the next decade: security, economic development, climate change, or international recognition?
“All these aspects are interconnected. Security is essential for stability, economic development is indispensable for prosperity, climate change represents a concrete threat to a country that relies heavily on livestock and agriculture, while international recognition would open new opportunities for investment and cooperation. A strong economy creates jobs, attracts investment, strengthens institutions, and increases resilience to security and climate challenges. That said, full international recognition remains a crucial objective, as it would help accelerate progress in all other sectors.”