Factors hindering AU/IGAD's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state

Abstract

Ever since Somaliland has declared its independence and reverted to its colonial borders twenty years ago, the international community has turned its back on Somalilanders. The overall objective of the research was to explore factors hindering the AU/IGAD's recognition of Somaliland. In order to attain the overall objective of the study, extensive literature has been reviewed. Both opponents and proponents of the Somaliland independence have been interviewed. Two specific and gender-based focus group discussions have also been conducted. Valuable information has been extracted from various diplomats, politicians, and senior government officials in the Hom of Africa. Confidential diplomatic cables have also been obtained, digested arid cross-checked with other reliable sources. Analysis of the information reveals that a combination of legal, external and internal factors have mainly been responsible for the non-recognition of Somaliland. The study not only details the factors behind the non-recognition of this young exemplary nation but also provides interesting scholarly debates on the legality, the sovereignty and the independence of Somaliland and Somalia as well as various confidential diplomatic cables on the Hom of Africa region. The findings of the study imply that with the current capacity gaps and constraints of the Somaliland Government particularly Ministry of Foreign Affairs in terms of diplomacy, foreign policy, international law, international relations, geopolitical analysis, mass communication, advocacy and lobby, as well as financial constraints, it is highly unlikely that Somaliland will obtain international de jure recognition in the near future.