Somaliland’s Rising Star:The Unfolding Drama of Recognition and Rivalry.

By Prof. Nassir Hussein Kahin.

Somaliland has defied the odds, standing resilient amid a turbulent region, its democratic credentials and strategic geopolitical positioning gaining momentum on the international stage. Once dismissed as an unrecognized entity, it now finds itself at the heart of a geopolitical storm, with global and regional players scrambling to recalibrate their strategies. The winds of change are unmistakable, with diplomatic breakthroughs, military partnerships, and economic investments steadily edging Somaliland toward full sovereignty.

The recent elections were a resounding affirmation of Somaliland’s democratic commitment, with the opposition party securing a landslide victory in both parliamentary and presidential races. President Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi “Ciro” wasted no time in bolstering Somaliland’s international standing, receiving a head-of-state welcome during his high-profile visits to the UAE. DP World’s $400 million investment in Berbera is no longer just an economic venture—it is a strategic statement, elevating Somaliland’s status in the eyes of global power brokers. As Mogadishu fumes over these developments, Somaliland continues to march forward, steadily dismantling Somalia’s diplomatic stranglehold.

The geopolitical stakes have never been higher. The United States, long shackled by its outdated “One Somalia” policy, is undergoing a reassessment. With the growing influence of China in Djibouti, Republican lawmakers in Congress have tabled a bill pushing for Somaliland’s recognition, seeing Berbera as a vital counterweight to Beijing’s regional ambitions. Meanwhile, Israel, wary of Iran-backed Houthi missile attacks, is clandestinely eyeing an airbase in Berbera under the pretense of U.S. cooperation. Somaliland has become the new chessboard in a power struggle stretching from Washington to the Gulf, from Tel Aviv to Tehran.

As Somaliland solidifies its alliances, the UAE has stepped in with unprecedented military support to: training Somaliland forces, covering their salaries, and supplying sophisticated defensive weaponry. The signing of an official military defense partnership between the UAE and Somaliland sent Mogadishu into a diplomatic frenzy, leading further to an already deteriorating diplomatic ties with Abu Dhabi. But Somalia, weakened by internal divisions and an over-reliance on foreign aid, has little leverage. The Mogadishu administration, rather than addressing its own domestic crises, has resorted to pouring millions into American lobbying firms to discredit Somaliland’s independence aspirations.

Meanwhile, Africa is witnessing a titanic diplomatic shift, with the African Union Annual Conference in Ethiopia this month exposing deep divisions. The contest for AU Chairman has morphed into a battle of ideologies, pitting Raila Odinga against Djibouti’s foreign minister in a race splitting Africa along Christian-Muslim lines. Ethiopia, playing a calculated game, remains noncommittal on the controversial Memorandum of Understanding signed with Somaliland, neither nullifying it nor fully enforcing it. While Mogadishu tries to propagate a false narrative of ongoing reconciliation talks, the reality is stark—there is no path back for Somaliland.

Somalia’s desperation has reached new heights. It has turned to deception, misleading the United Nations Security Council with claims of continued dialogue with Somaliland, despite the collapse of such efforts long ago. Foreign aid, intended for Somalia’s suffering citizens, is instead being funneled into anti-Somaliland propaganda, a move that only further isolates Mogadishu on the global stage. The world, however, is awakening to the undeniable truth: Somaliland is not just a “breakaway region”—it is a sovereign state in all but name.

The unfolding drama surrounding Somaliland’s recognition is no longer just a regional affair—it has become an international power play. With each diplomatic handshake, each military agreement, and each economic investment, Somaliland inches closer to full recognition. Its resilience, determination, and strategic acumen have ensured its survival, and now, its rise. The world can delay, debate, and deny—but Somaliland’s sovereignty is inevitable, and soon, it will stand as a recognized and independent nation, a beacon of stability in an increasingly unstable region.