On June 27, 2025, the Laasgeel Institute for Policy Studies and Research Analysis hosted an academic discussion focusing on Somaliland’s legal case rooted in June 26, 1960. The forum explored the country’s ongoing efforts to gain international recognition and the challenges it faces.
Participants engaged in in-depth deliberations on the legal and diplomatic avenues available to Somaliland, underscoring the critical components of a strategic roadmap aimed at restoring its international legal personality and de jure recognition.
The dialogue highlighted the historical and juridical context of Somaliland’s independence, reaffirming the consensus that the Republic of Somaliland is a sovereign, independent state under international law. It was emphasized that Somaliland attained its independence from the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland on June 26, 1960, and was duly recognized by numerous states and international organizations at the time.
Significantly, the forum concluded that no legally binding or ratified Act of Union was ever enacted between the Republic of Somaliland and the UN Trusteeship Territory of Somalia to lawfully constitute the Somali Republic. In the absence of such ratification and without registration under Article 102 of the Charter of the United Nations, the purported union lacked legal validity and legitimacy in international law.
Moreover, the forum addressed the issue of Somalia’s prolonged military occupation of Somaliland, which spanned three decades. This occupation ended in 1991, when the people of Somaliland, through a sustained and legitimate liberation struggle, reasserted their sovereignty and re-established their independent republic.
Key Recommendations from the Forum:
1. Strategic Roadmap for Recognition: The government of Somaliland should develop and articulate a clear and comprehensive strategic roadmap for achieving international recognition.
2. Clear Foreign Policy: The forum recommended that the Somaliland government establish a well-defined and transparent foreign policy framework.
3. Policy Toward Somalia: A specific and strategic policy toward Somalia is necessary—especially considering that Somalia has officially declared Somaliland as its primary threat and enacted legislation to that effect.
4. Immediate Cessation of Talks with Somalia: The forum strongly recommended that the government of Somaliland immediately suspend all dialogue and talks with Somalia.
5. Active International Engagement
The forum encouraged the Somaliland government to actively participate in international conferences and global platforms to further its diplomatic objectives.
6. Legal Advocacy: The finally, the forum suggested that the government of Somaliland consolidate its legal argument for recognition and present the case before an international court of law.
