Failure vs. Function
President Trump caused a controversy after he referred to Somalia as a ‘fourth-world nation.’
Critics, including Somali-American Representative Ilhan Omar, strongly denounced the remark. Regardless of the rhetoric, Somalia has indeed faced profound challenges for decades, with persistent violence, political fragmentation, and underdevelopment continuing to undermine stability.
Yet within the broader Somali context lies a lesser-known alternative: Somaliland. For those advocating stability and self-determination in the Horn of Africa, Somaliland presents a case that merits closer attention, and potentially, international recognition.
Most Americans are unlikely to be familiar with Somaliland, even though it has functioned with a high degree of autonomy for more than three decades. Historically, the territory that is now Somaliland was part of British Somaliland, while the southern regions of present-day Somalia were administered by Italy. The two territories united in 1960 upon independence, forming the Somali Republic.
However, the union proved unstable from the outset. Political tensions, governance failures, and escalating authoritarianism under Siad Barre culminated in widespread violence. In the late 1980s, brutal military campaigns in the north resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and the destruction of major cities such as Hargeisa.
Following the collapse of the Barre regime and the descent of Somalia into civil war, Somaliland withdrew from the union in 1991, declaring the restoration of its independence. Since then, it has developed its own political system, held multiple peaceful elections, and adopted a constitution through a 2001 referendum.
A State That Works
Since then, Somaliland’s divergence from its estranged cousin has only widened. Politically, Somaliland has become a somewhat stable democracy, going through several successful elections in the past few decades. In fact, although Somaliland’s Freedom House Score is only 47, it is much higher than Somalia, which has a score of 8.
Economically, Somaliland has also surpassed Somalia. Although very poor, its GDP per capita is now three times higher than Somalia’s. Its trade deals with Ethiopia, the UAE, and now Israel will help develop Somaliland’s economy. However, Somalia rejects Somaliland’s claims of independence, resulting in very few countries recognizing Somaliland. Such isolation makes it difficult for Somaliland to access international markets and institutions.
The success of Somaliland led Israel to become the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. This has been a difficult issue for them because of pressure from Somalia, its allies, and the international community. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland nevertheless benefits both countries. For Somaliland, it gives them much-needed legitimacy. For Israel, it provides them with a partner in a region that is fiercely hostile to it.
America’s Strategic Opening
There are several reasons why the United States (US) should follow Israel’s lead in recognizing Somaliland as an independent country. For starters, the government of Somaliland is offering access to its rare earth metals in exchange for recognition. Rare metals are crucial in the production of advanced technology, including military tech. Unfortunately, China, one of the United States’ chief geopolitical rivals, dominates the production and refinement of those metals. With a potential conflict over Taiwan looming, the US needs as many alternative sources for rare earths as it can find. If the US gains exclusive access to Somaliland’s rare earth metals, it could help reduce China’s dominance.
Somaliland is also offering military bases inside the country in exchange for recognition. With terrorist affiliates active in the region and its location off the Arabian Peninsula, a base in Somaliland adds another spot for the US to project power. With the war in Iran, Somaliland offers a potential base of operations for US air and naval assets.
Recognizing Somaliland also offers the US a chance to counter Chinese influence in Africa. With a recent visit to three countries, China is reaffirming its commitment to economic ties on the continent. With its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China is investing billions across the continent. If the US secured economic ties with Somaliland, it would establish a US presence in East Africa and counter Chinese influence on the continent.
Recognize Reality
Critics may oppose US recognition of Somaliland because it may upset diplomatic relations with other African countries, specifically Somalia. However, the US gains far more than it loses by recognizing Somaliland. In addition to the economic and security benefits, the US is rewarding stable governance. Somalia has been a failed state for years; if the US rewards Somaliland for its stability, it sets a positive precedent. For decades, the international community has rewarded governments, especially in Africa, for their mismanagement. Recognizing Somaliland rewards good governance, leading other countries to follow Somaliland’s lead.
In the past, foreign aid has come with strings attached, prompting some countries to turn toward China. However, some countries are starting to realize the perils of receiving aid from Beijing. By recognizing Somaliland, the United States will reassert itself as a player on the African continent.
For decades, corruption and violence have plagued Somalia. However, Somaliland has proven to be the opposite of the nation it broke away from. To reward Somaliland’s good governance and benefit US interests at the same time, the United States should become the second country on Earth to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.
Matthew Cookson
Middle East History & Policy Fellow | Young Voices
