Somaliland Gets First Official Acceptance

I mentioned Somaliland in an earlier post. It stands out as one of the few de facto independent countries in the world that no one will recognize. Well, that has finally changed, as Israel has officially recognized it.

My default inclination is to support the independence of any region that wants it and is capable of maintaining an independent existence on the world stage. I feel a special sympathy for Somaliland because it seems to be unfairly neglected. First, it has been independent for 35 years now (since 1991), so it has proven that it is capable of self-governance in spite of being surrounded by hostile states. Second, it is both peaceful and democratic, two characteristics that are in short supply in its area of the world. One would think that governments who claim to promote those values would be eager to recognize its existence. Third, Somaliland is incredibly poor. Because it is not internationally recognized, it is hard for it to receive aid. Again, where are the voices of those allegedly fighting poverty who do not want to help this poor country?

It is obvious why Somalia would not support the independence of Somaliland. (Also, what is the adjective for someone from Somaliland? A Somalilandan? “Somalian” is already taken.) I am less clear why other nations oppose them. I haven’t done research on the subject, and I’m sure there are some good reasons; I probably wouldn’t agree with them, but I’ll bet there are things holding countries back. I am curious why the African Union (successor to the Organization of African Unity) would be so emphatically against Somaliland’s independence. Their statement emphasizes their founding principles, including “respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence.” (I’m not sure they’re using intangibility correctly here; they seem to mean “immutability.”) I have read a lot about the problems with the borders that colonial powers left Africa with, so it seems very curious to me that this organization would consider those borders unalterable. Probably every government is aware of its own tenuous existence and fears that recognizing the independence of a breakaway state from Somalia would lead to similar independence movements elsewhere. Still, I wonder if a certain amount of this wouldn’t actually be good for the continent, not to mention the people living there? Surely part of the reason for Africa’s interminable civil wars is the fact that very different and hostile groups have been forced to live together under a common government?

It may be that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has not further consequences, at least not for years. I hope, however, that it breaks the ice and brings attention to this neglected country, pricking the consciences of those in a position to help them, if by no other means than recognizing their legitimacy. That alone would probably make the work of NGO’s and charitable organizations in Somaliland much easier.