Thousands of people gathered in Hargeisa on Monday as Somaliland celebrated its independence day with renewed calls for international recognition, months after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared republic. Military parades, cultural displays and public celebrations filled the capital as Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi urged the international community to acknowledge Somaliland’s long-standing claim to statehood. “The Republic of Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding, and democratic nation,” Abdullahi said during the celebrations.
He argued that Somaliland’s case for recognition should no longer be in question after more than three decades of self-governance, relative stability and democratic elections. “The question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether we deserve recognition, but rather: when will the rest of the world recognize the Republic of Somaliland?” he added. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of conflict. Since then, the territory has operated with its own government, currency, military and electoral system, although it remains internationally recognized as part of Somalia.
Israel’s decision earlier this year to formally recognize Somaliland was hailed by supporters as a historic diplomatic breakthrough. However, the move also generated concern among some residents and regional observers who fear it could heighten tensions within the Horn of Africa and deepen disputes in parts of Somaliland’s eastern regions. Despite the celebrations, no other country has yet followed Israel’s lead, leaving Somaliland’s broader campaign for international legitimacy unresolved. Analysts say recognition remains a sensitive issue across Africa, where many governments are cautious about supporting secessionist movements because of concerns over territorial integrity and regional stability. Still, Somaliland officials insist that continued peace, democratic governance and economic development strengthen their case for eventual international acceptance.
