An Appeal to the Australian Government: Time to Recognise Somaliland's Independence
From the Australian Somaliland Community and Australians at large
Part I: Direct Appeal to the Australian Government
To the Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister
To Senator the Honourable Penny Wong, Minister for Foreign Affairs
Executive Summary
We respectfully appeal to the Australian Government to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. This represents not secession but restoration of sovereignty; a unique case that aligns with Australia's democratic values and national interests while strengthening our alliance with the United States.
The Case for Recognition
Restoration of Sovereignty, Not Secession
Somaliland's case is fundamentally different from typical independence movements:
- Never legally ratified: The 1960 union between British Somaliland and Italian Somalia lacked proper constitutional foundation
- African Union acknowledgment: Their fact-finding mission concluded Somaliland represents a special case that won't create precedent for other African secession claims
- Baltic States parallel: This constitutes restoration of sovereignty, comparable to post-Soviet independence
Proven Democratic Success
Over three decades, Somaliland has demonstrated:
- Democratic governance: Regular, peaceful multi-party elections
- Political stability: Functioning without international intervention
- Genocide survival: Built a successful democracy after surviving systematic persecution
- Regional stabilisation: Contributes to Horn of Africa peace and security
Strategic Importance for Australia
Alliance Strengthening
- US alignment: The current US administration is expected to recognise Somaliland, with Congressional bills and senatorial statements supporting recognition
- Taiwan solidarity: Somaliland maintains strong ties with Taiwan (including signed maritime deal) despite Chinese Communist Party pressure
Economic and Security Benefits
- Trade opportunities: Direct bilateral relationships and resource partnerships
- Maritime security: Strategic location benefits Australian shipping and naval interests
- Counter-authoritarian influence: Recognition opposes CCP expansion in the Indo-Pacific region
Policy Correction
Australia's current position stems from outdated assumptions; previous Somaliland administrations didn't adequately explain their unique legal status to Australian policymakers.
Call to Action
To Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong
We request the Australian Government:
- Formally recognise Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state
- Establish diplomatic relations and bilateral cooperation pathways
- Support international recognition within multilateral forums
- Engage with Somaliland leadership to develop strategic partnerships
The time for recognition is now.
Supporting Documentation & Further Reading
The following sources provide detailed analysis and official documentation supporting the case for Somaliland recognition:
Legal and Historical Analysis
- Somaliland's Status: Continuity vs Secession - Analysis of the legal foundation and constitutional issues of the 1960 union
- African Union Fact-Finding Mission Report - Official AU mission concluding Somaliland represents a special case
- The Timeline: 700 Years of Distinct Histories - Comprehensive historical timeline demonstrating Somaliland's separate development and identity
- Quick Intro to Somaliland (Video) - Educational video providing an accessible overview of Somaliland's history and current status
- Ending War: Lessons from Somaliland by Sarah Phillips - Explains how Somaliland's clan system is as complex as Somalia's, dispelling the "only Isaaq misconception"
- Interview with Hon. Dr. Saad Ali Shire of Somaliland - Hindsight: View Somaliland's outdated policy of seeking recognition from Mogadishu, which was never legally required and ultimately failed after many years of effort.
Democratic Governance & Human Rights
- Freedom House - Assessment of democratic governance and political rights
US Congressional Support
- H.R. 3992 - Somaliland Partnership Act of 2023 - Congressional bill supporting Somaliland recognition
- Senator Ted Cruz Statement - Senatorial call for US recognition of Somaliland
- H.R. 7776 - Countering CCP Influence - US law confirming cooperation with democratic partners like Somaliland can help limit authoritarian expansion in the Indo-Pacific
Australian Strategic Interests
- ASPI Strategist: Recognising Somaliland would be in Australia's interest - Strategic analysis of recognition benefits for Australia
International Partnerships
- Taiwan-Somaliland Maritime Agreement - Official announcement of maritime cooperation deal
Make History: Join the Appeal - Add Your Signature 🚀🚀🚀
Signatures Supporting Somaliland Recognition
No signatures yet. Be the first to sign!
Only verified signatures from Australian supporters are displayed.
Contact the Organising Committee: Contact Us