Somaliland’s Statehood: Rooted in History, Built on Stability – Presidential Spokesperson

Hargeisa (Somaliland.com):- The Spokesperson of the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Hussein Aden Deyr, has reaffirmed that Somaliland’s quest for independence is not just a political aspiration, but a legal and historical reality rooted in its pre-union sovereignty and the will of its people.

In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account and quoted by the Somaliland National News Agency (SOLNA), the Spokesperson emphasized that Somaliland’s statehood is based on a legitimate struggle for self-rule and the resilient efforts of its people to be recognized as part of the international community.

He reminded the public that Somaliland gained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960, and was recognized by more than 35 countries and the United Nations. “This independence was not borrowed; it was earned through a legitimate and recognized liberation struggle,” he stated.

Deyr noted that the voluntary union with Somalia shortly after independence turned out to be a failed experiment, where Somaliland’s rights were denied, leading to decades of marginalization, oppression, and even massacres against its people.

He highlighted that in 1991, following the collapse of the Somali state, Somaliland reclaimed its sovereignty based on its historical right to self-determination. Since then, the Republic of Somaliland has built a functioning democratic state founded on peace, stability, and effective governance—qualities that surpass those of many internationally recognized nations.

On the question of international recognition, the Presidential Spokesperson made it clear: “Somaliland’s case is not one of secession, but a restoration of an independence that predated a failed union.”

He also stated that Somaliland’s position aligns with the African Union’s principle of respecting colonial borders, further strengthening its legal argument for recognition.

Deyr reiterated Somaliland’s ongoing commitment to gaining international recognition, enhancing diplomatic ties, and expanding economic cooperation. “False political claims or external pressure cannot change the undeniable truth: Somaliland is a fully functioning state built on the will of its people and political stability,” he asserted.

He warned that any attempts to portray Somaliland as a part of Somalia distort reality and undermine peace and the legitimate struggle of its people. Finally, he called on the international community to acknowledge Somaliland’s statehood as an undeniable fact.