Foreign relations of Somaliland

Foreign relations of the Republic of Somaliland are the responsibility of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland.[1] The region's self-declaration of independence (from Somalia on 18 May 1991, after the start of ongoing Somali Civil War) remains unrecognised by the international community.[2][3]

Somaliland
This article is part of a series on the
politics and government of
Somaliland
Constitution
Government
Legislative
Judiciary
Elections
Foreign relations
Related topics
 Somaliland portal

Due to its status, the Republic of Somaliland currently has official contacts with only a few nations, such as Ethiopia, which has signed a strategic and infrastructure agreement,[4][5] and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which has signed a concession agreement to manage the Port of Berbera.[6][7] International recognition as a sovereign state remains at the forefront of the government's current foreign policy. Other key priorities include encouraging international aid and foreign direct investment.

Most multilateral organisations and countries in the international community support the territorial integrity (i.e. territorial unity) of Somalia and its central government, the Federal Government of Somalia during the ongoing civil war and oppose Somaliland's secession.[8]

British Foreign Office Minister Henry Bellingham addressing the Somaliland Parliament, July 2011

International Relations

Somaliland has political contacts with neighboring Ethiopia[9] and Djibouti,[10] as well as with Belgium,[9] France,[11] Ghana,[9] Russia,[12] South Africa,[9] Sweden,[9][13] the United Kingdom,[9][14] and the United States.[15]

In 2007, a delegation led by President Kahin was present at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Kampala, Uganda. Although Somaliland has applied to join the Commonwealth under observer status, its application is still pending.[16]

In 2002, Germany refused to recognize Somaliland as a precursor to establishing a military base in the region despite the fact that German naval ships already operated from Berbera.[17] Instead, Germany established a naval base in nearby Djibouti.[18] In September 2012, at the mini-summit on Somalia on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly, the German government re-affirmed its continued support for Somalia's government, territorial integrity and sovereignty.[8]

United Arab Emirates

In February 2017, both houses of the parliament of Somaliland accepted the bid from the government of the UAE for the Union Defence Force (UAE) to establish a military base in Berbera along with the redevelopment of the Berbera Airport.[19]

Israel

Israel was one of 35 countries that recognised Somaliland's brief independence in 1960.[20] However, it does not currently hold direct diplomatic ties with Somaliland. In February 2010, Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesperson Yigal Palmor was quoted in the Haaretz Daily that his government was ready to recognize Somaliland again.[21][22] Although, he stated that the Somaliland government has not contacted the Israeli government to seek ties.

In 1995, former President Egal of Somaliland also wrote a letter to Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin seeking to establish diplomatic ties between the two countries.[22] In September 2001, it was also reported Somaliland was looking towards Tel Aviv after Saudi Arabia banned imports of livestock from the country due to Rift Valley fever.[23] During this time several Israeli businessmen were also in the nation's capital Hargeisa.[23] However, President Kahin who succeeded Egal is reported to have avoided approaching Israel to prevent straining fragile relations with the Arabs and Muslim world, which it heavily relies for its livestock trade.[22] In August 2020, Somaliland expressed its support for the Israel–United Arab Emirates peace agreement.[24]

Pakistan

In November 2009, a Pakistani delegation composed of Mr. Sheikh Mansoor Ahmed, Secretary General of the PPP of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan ruling government; Mr. Shafiq Ahmed Qureshi, Peace Representative, former diplomat and Sr. Consular Officer; and Mr. Abdul Razak Dinnaari, an ambassador, visited Somaliland where they proposed to open a trade office of Somaliland in Pakistan.[25]

In February 2020 Pakistan's Look Africa Policy Initiative conference which was officially held in Nairobi Kenya, Over 100 delegates from 20 African countries attended the conference, A delegation from Somaliland led by the Minister of Energy and Minerals Jama Mohamoud Egal Asked Pakistan To extend its look africa policy initiative to Somaliland We were happy to be part of this conference. We have talked to Pakistan delegates and asked them to look at Somaliland As one of its potential partners in trade and development. He added Somaliland is keen to develop strong trade ties with Pakistan. From this conference, we will build on our approach and market our country to their investors. Minister Egal said there are so many investment opportunities in Somaliland that can interest Pakistan.[26]

Africa

In 2011, the foreign ministers of South Africa and Tanzania said that they would not recognise Somaliland and preferred that Somalia remained a single country. Although Somaliland is recognized as a de facto state, it currently has no de-jure recognition from any internationally recognized country.[27] In 2012, South Africa and Ethiopia again re-affirmed their continued support for Somalia's government, territorial integrity, and sovereignty at the mini-summit on Somalia in New York on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly.[8] However, South Africa has formally declared that Somaliland fulfils the Montevideo criteria for statehood in addition to it accepting the Somaliland passport.[28]

The African Union (AU) is considering Somaliland's application for membership to the bloc and has indicated a willingness to deal with it as an 'outstanding case'.[28]

Guinea
The President of Somaliland, Muse Bihi Abdi, visit to the Republic of Guinea.

In late July 2019, Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi led a delegation to the Republic of Guinea at the invitation of President Alpha Conde.[29][30]

Kenya
President Bihi and Kenyan President, Uhuru Kenyatta

In December 2020, Kenya and Somaliland agreed that a Kenyan consulate would open in Hargeisa, and to commence direct flights between Hargeisa and Nairobi, both by March 2021.[31]

United Kingdom

In April 2014, the Sheffield City Council in the United Kingdom voted to recognize the right to self-determination of Somaliland, the second British city council to do so, with Bristol being the first. The gesture however was ceremonial and not legally binding.[32] On 26 March 2015, Cardiff City Council followed suit[33] and later on 18 May 2015, the UK independence Party announced their support for the recognition of Somaliland.[34] This was followed by the Conservative UK government's official opening of a British Office in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. In 2020 the United Kingdom, Denmark and the Netherlands approved four agreements with government of Somaliland to improve critical infrastructure to support economic growth.[35] In July 2019, the Birmingham City Council the largest local authority in Europe recognized the right to self-determination of Somaliland, becoming the 5th in Britain.

Asia

In January 2018, Somaliland gained attention from the Philippines, and later Timor-Leste, after legislation outlawing rape is successfully passed.[36]

Taiwan (Republic of China)
Somaliland Foreign Minister Hagi Mohamoud with Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen

In July 2020, Somaliland announced it would establish representative office in Taiwan (Republic of China).[37] The Taiwan Representative Office officially established in Hargeisa the next month.[38] In August, Taiwan opened its office in Somaliland which was reciprocated by Somaliland by opening an office in Taiwan on 9th September 2020. [39]

Foreign Minister
Main article: Minister of Foreign Affairs (Somaliland)

Dr. Yasin Haji Mohamud Hiir “Faratoon” serves as the Foreign Minister of Somaliland.[40]

Diplomatic representative offices
Further information: List of diplomatic missions of Somaliland and List of diplomatic missions in Somaliland

Somaliland maintains representative (liaison) offices in several countries, but these missions do not have formal diplomatic status under the provisions of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.

Such offices exist in the following cities:

The following foreign governments have diplomatic offices in Hargeisa:

As of February 2010, the Yemeni government is reportedly planning to open a diplomatic office in Hargeisa.[50][51]

Somaliland entry visa

Passports
Main article: Somaliland passport
Somaliland Passports.

Somaliland issues its own passports, recognized by certain nations. Once Somaliland achieves its goal of recognition, a number countries have stated that they will allow Somalilanders to travel to their countries, subject to visa regulations.

Organisational membership

Somaliland is a member of the Unrepresented Nations and Peoples Organization (UNPO).[22]

See also

References
  1. Council of Ministers. Government of Somaliland.
  2. "UN in Action: Reforming Somaliland's Judiciary" (PDF). Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  3. Lacey, Marc (5 June 2006). "The Signs Say Somaliland, but the World Says Somalia". The New York Times. Retrieved 25 May 2010.
  4. "Ethiopia: Somaliland signed strategic trade and infrastructure agreement - Geeska Afrika Online". www.GeeskaAfrika.com. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  5. geeskadmin (2014-11-19). "Ethiopia: Somaliland signed strategic trade and infrastructure agreement - Geeska Afrika Online". Geeska Afrika Online. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  6. Stevis, Matina; Fitch, Asa (30 May 2016). "Dubai's DP World Agrees to Manage Port in Somaliland for 30 Years". Retrieved 12 January 2018 – via www.WSJ.com.
  7. Stevis, Matina; Fitch, Asa (2016-05-30). "Dubai's DP World Agrees to Manage Port in Somaliland for 30 Years". Wall Street Journal. ISSN 0099-9660. Retrieved 2016-12-07.
  8. "Communiqué on Secretary-General's Mini-Summit on Somalia". United Nations. Retrieved 7 August 2013.
  9. "Somaliland closer to recognition by Ethiopia". Afrol News. Retrieved 2007-07-06.
  10. "Somaliland, Djibouti in bitter port feud". afrol News. Retrieved 2007-07-22.
  11. "France recognizes de facto Somaliland". Les Nouvelles d'Addis. 2008-04-08. Archived from the original on 2010-07-15. Retrieved 2010-02-04.
  12. "Putin flexes muscles with plans for new African base - with chilling echoes of Suez". express.co.uk. 2018-04-18. Retrieved 2018-10-21.
  13. "Somaliland Diplomatic Mission in Sweden and Denmark". Archived from the original on 2009-05-10. Retrieved 2010-04-02.
  14. "Somaliland". United Kingdom Parliament. 2004-02-04. Retrieved 2007-02-23.
  15. "Somaliland Liaison Office Washington DC". Somaliland Liaison Office. Archived from the original on April 4, 2013. Retrieved 19 February 2015.
  16. "Somaliland on verge of observer status in the Commonwealth". Qaran News. 2009-11-16. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  17. "Deutsche Flotte bricht nach Ostafrika auf". German News Information GmbH. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  18. Süddeutsche.de GmbH, Munich, Germany (2002-01-03). "Einer der heißesten Flecken der Welt". sueddeutsche.de. Retrieved 2012-05-29.CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  19. "Somalia: Northern Territory Approves UAE Naval Base". stratfor.com. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  20. Bereketeab, Redie (2012). Self-determination and Secessionism in Somaliland and South Sudan: Challenges to Postcolonial State-building. Nordiska Afrikainstitutet. ISBN 978-91-7106-725-8.
  21. "Israel ready to recognize Somaliland". defenceWeb. 2010-02-15. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  22. "Somaliland: Israel says ready to recognize Somaliland". UNPO. 2010-02-12. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  23. "Somaliland 'here to stay'". 2001-02-05. Retrieved 2020-07-13.
  24. "Somaliland Joins World In Hailing Israel And UAE Diplomatic Deal". busiweek.com. 14 August 2020.
  25. "Pakistani Delegation Arrives In Somaliland". busiweek.com. 8 November 2009.
  26. "Pakistan Asked To Extend Its Look Africa Policy Initiative To Somaliland". busiweek.com. 3 February 2020.
  27. "SA, Tanzania don't recognise Somaliland". Times Live. 13 August 2011. Retrieved 13 October 2014.
  28. Hansen, Stig Jarle; Bradbury, Mark (2007-09-01). "Somaliland: A New Democracy in the Horn of Africa?". Review of African Political Economy. 34 (113): 461–476. doi:10.1080/03056240701672585. ISSN 0305-6244.
  29. "Somaliland MPs adopt first ever rape law". Rappler.
  30. "Somaliland President Arrives in Guinea-Conakry for State Visit". July 2, 2019.
  31. "Somalia Severs Diplomatic Ties With Kenya". The New York Times. 15 December 2020.
  32. "Somaliland Hails British Step Forward in Independence Bid". VOA. 5 April 2014. Retrieved 23 April 2014.
  33. Mosalski, Ruth (26 March 2015). "Cardiff becomes the third UK council to recognise the Republic of Somaliland". walesonline.co.uk. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  34. "UKIP supports Somaliland National Day". somalilandpress.com. 18 May 2015. Archived from the original on 26 June 2015. Retrieved 21 March 2017.
  35. "UK, Denmark and Netherlands approve agreements with Somaliland Government on critical infrastructure to improve people's lives" (Press release). Retrieved 2020-07-07.
  36. "'A great milestone': Somaliland adopts legislation outlawing rape". the Guardian. 2018-01-11. Retrieved 2020-10-05.
  37. "Taiwan Strengthens Ties With Breakaway Somaliland". www.bloomberg.com. Retrieved 2020-07-02.
  38. "台灣駐索馬利蘭代表處正式成立 雙方國旗飄揚[影] | 政治 | 重點新聞 | 中央社 CNA". www.cna.com.tw (in Chinese). Central News Agency. Retrieved 2020-08-22.
  39. "Somaliland to open office in Taiwan". Taiwan News. Retrieved 2020-09-09.
  40. Center, Africa. "Somaliland's Foreign Minister Discusses Trade and Recognition". Atlantic Council. Retrieved 2019-07-03.
  41. Contacts and addresses of the Somaliland Representative Offices around the world Archived 2010-03-27 at the Wayback Machine. Government of Somaliland.
  42. Wiren, Robert (8 April 2008). France recognizes de facto Somaliland Archived 2010-07-15 at the Wayback Machine. Les Nouvelles d'Addis. Versailles. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  43. Somaliland Trade Liaison Office, Pretoria. Visit of Somaliland’s UCID Foreign affairs spokesperson to south Africa. Qaran News (1 May 2010). Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  44. Somaliland Diplomatic Mission in Sweden Archived 2009-05-10 at the Wayback Machine. Somaliland Embassy in Sweden.
  45. Somaliland Mission UK Retrieved 2020-06-25.
  46. Ethiopia’s New Representative to Somaliland. Qarannews (30 October 2009). Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  47. Section II: Somaliland
    • Archived 2010-12-10 at the Wayback Machine. International Council on Security and Development. Retrieved 2010-05-25.
  48. "SOMALIA: Ethiopia opens consulate in Puntland". Horseedmedia.net. 2010-05-29. Archived from the original on 2010-06-19. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  49. "We urgently need an Embassy in Somalia". Newvision.co.ug. 2007-06-05. Archived from the original on 2012-09-10. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
  50. "Somaliland: Yemen To Open Diplomatic Office in Somaliland". UNPO. 19 February 2010.
  51. "Yemen and Puntland to further cooperation". Garoweonline.com. 2010-10-12. Archived from the original on 2012-03-28. Retrieved 2012-05-29.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.