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Africa Programme Conference Summary: Somaliland's Place in the World

Core Content

The conference summary, published in December 2011, discusses the geopolitical position of Somaliland, a self-declared but unrecognised state in the Horn of Africa. It highlights the challenges and opportunities Somaliland faces in its quest for international recognition and its role in the broader Somali peace process.

Main Points

• Status of Somaliland:
  Somaliland has established effective governance, including tax collection, service provision, and democratic elections. However, it lacks formal international recognition, which limits its participation in global institutions. It is classified as an unrecognised entity, not a partially-recognised state, despite its de facto statehood.

• Arguments for Recognition:
  Somaliland claims it is not a new state but a result of its own secession from Somalia in 1960. This argument is seen as valid but insufficient without political backing. The desire for recognition is primarily driven by the need for legitimacy and access to international resources and institutions.

• International Partners' Perspective:
  International partners, particularly African ones, are cautious about recognizing Somaliland due to the principle of respecting colonial-era borders. They are more focused on resolving Somalia's instability and weak governance. While they support Somaliland's stability, they are wary of formal recognition potentially complicating the broader Somalia issue.

• Cross-Border Links:
  Despite its independence aspirations, Somaliland is not entirely isolated from Somalia. It experiences spillover effects from conflicts in the south, such as terrorist attacks and border disputes. However, it also serves as a safe haven for displaced people and has strong economic and social ties with the rest of Somalia.

• Engagement with Somalia:
  There is a debate over whether Somaliland should engage in Somali peace processes. While some see potential benefits in contributing to regional stability, many Somalilanders are reluctant due to the risks of entanglement in Somalia's ongoing conflicts. Nonetheless, there are concerns that exclusion from these processes could lead to a constitutional settlement that undermines Somaliland's interests.

• The Importance of a Process:
  A key idea from the conference is that entering an internationally recognized peace process could provide a structured path to recognition. The example of South Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) is cited, where the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) led to formal recognition. This suggests that a similar process could benefit Somaliland by creating a legal framework for its status.

Key Information

• Chatham House Roundtable:
  The discussion took place in July 2011 under the Chatham House Rule, bringing together Somaliland politicians, civil society, diaspora, and international experts.

• Challenges of Recognition:
  Recognition is not easily attainable. The two main routes—seeking recognition from influential states or gaining consent from Mogadishu—are both complex and not currently feasible.

• Pragmatic Approach:
  Participants emphasized the importance of a pragmatic approach, where Somaliland could engage in a formal process without immediate recognition. This would allow for structured dialogue and could lead to a legal basis for its status.

• Risk and Reward:
  While Somalilanders may feel that their achievements justify recognition, they are hesitant to engage in broader peace processes. However, there are risks in not participating, as it could lead to a constitutional settlement that is unfavorable to Somaliland.

Conclusion

The summary concludes that while there is tension between international expectations and Somaliland's desire for independence, participation in a formal peace process could be beneficial. It offers a path to legitimacy and international engagement without immediate recognition. This approach is seen as a more realistic and pragmatic way to achieve recognition than relying solely on historical or legal arguments.