Recognise Somaliland as an independent state

The right to self-determination appears to be applicable to Somaliland. We therefore want the UK Government to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

We believe recognising Somaliland as an independent state will help promote democracy and good governance.

The UK values the close and productive relationship it has with Somaliland. However, in line with the rest of the international community, we do not recognise it as an independent state. We firmly believe that it is for Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to decide their future. Any new arrangements would need to be recognised by neighbours in the region and the African Union. The African Union is the pre-eminent regional body mandated to defend the sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence of its Member States, of which Somalia is one. The UK Government has long encouraged dialogue between the authorities in Mogadishu and Hargeisa on their future relationship, and we continue to do so.

The UK is nevertheless proud to be a leading partner of Somaliland. We have supported and will continue to support, peace, stability and democracy in Somaliland and our co-operation with the authorities there is greatly valued. For a decade, we have been the only Western bilateral donor with a permanent diplomatic mission in Hargeisa. In addition, our Ambassador and officials based in the region make regular visits and engage at the highest levels. The UK further supports Somaliland through a network of development programmes that operate unhampered by the UK’s position on Somaliland recognition. UK assistance includes support for specific sectors such as education, revenue collection, security or justice institutions. Our Somali Girls' Education Promotion Programme has reached over 13,000 girls in Somaliland to support their learning and transition from primary to secondary school. We also lead a £30 million multi-donor fund to support the delivery of the Somaliland National Development Plan; and we are providing targeted support to the Berbera Corridor which will help to unlock prosperity in the Horn of Africa. British International Investment (BII), the UK’s development finance body, has invested in Berbera Port as part of an initial £232m investment into three ports in Africa. This is part of wider partnership between BII and UAE’s DP World. Our existing £25m of investment in programmes in Berbera will drive economic growth, help build stability in the Horn of Africa, and present significant opportunities for UK business.

We will continue to support the Hargeisa authorities, and the people of Somaliland, on their democratic journey. We will do this by investing in Somaliland in pursuit of trade and prosperity, by building security for all Somalilanders, and by supporting development and resilience to the impact of climate change.

Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office