Following a historic move by the Israeli government late last year to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent nation, authorities in Hargeisa have announced that they are looking to Ethiopia, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as the next key nations expected to extend sovereign recognition.
The announcement coincided with Somaliland’s annual May 18 Independence Day celebrations, marked by vibrant military parades in the capital city of Hargeisa. The diplomatic momentum has grown rapidly since late 2025 when Israel broke new ground by recognizing the region. Recently, Somaliland’s newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Dr. Mohamed Hage, officially presented his credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
During the anniversary celebrations, Somaliland’s Presidential Minister, Kedahar Hussein, extended profound gratitude to Taiwan, Ethiopia, the UAE, and Kenya for their enduring partnership. Minister Hussein highlighted Ethiopia’s historical neighborly role, noting that the country deserves immense respect for welcoming and hosting Somalilanders who crossed the border due to political pressures from the Somali government in Mogadishu. He expressed strong optimism that Ethiopia would formally grant statehood recognition to Somaliland in the near future.
Somaliland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdirahman Dahir Adan, echoed these sentiments. He stated that following Israel’s historic breakthrough, Somaliland maintains immense appreciation for Ethiopia, Taiwan, and the UAE, labeling them as “all-time close friends.” Minister Adan expressed high hopes that these nations would closely observe the regional landscape and follow Israel’s legal precedent by formalizing diplomatic ties.To systematically drive this global agenda, the government officially unveiled the Somaliland Independence and Recognition Institute The launch event was attended by Somaliland’s President, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed, state ministers, and diplomatic representatives from Ethiopia, Taiwan, the UAE, and Kenya.Â
President Abdirahman emphasized that the institute is designed to deliver “concrete, ultimate results” and offer hope to generations of Somalilanders who paid heavy prices through displacement, arrests, and conflict under previous administrations. He affirmed that the historical injustices faced by their people remain an unhealed wound but vowed to pursue accountability through legal frameworks.
Remarkably, the new institute will be spearheaded by an international panel of experts. It is chaired by Sir Gavin Williamson, a member of the British Parliament and former UK Defense Secretary and Education Minister. The institute’s director is British legal expert and diplomat Jelen McKew, while an American lawyer and diplomat—who previously served as the U.S. Permanent Ambassador to Southeast Asian Nations under President Barack Obama—will serve as the chief legal advisor.
Addressing the gathering, MP Gavin Williamson contrasted his past diplomatic experiences in Mogadishu—which he described as a divided city gripped by conflict and political stagnation—with Somaliland. He praised Somaliland’s commitment to democratic elections, education, and institutional stability, concluding that the international community can no longer ignore the territory’s legitimate quest for global recognition.
