Jerusalem (SLpost)- British peer Lord Atshcrof has called for the international recognition of Somaliland, saying that it has demonstrated the characteristics of a functioning state after more than three decades of self-governance.
In an article published by Conservative Home, the member of the United Kingdom’s House of Lords described his recent meeting in Jerusalem with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), during which the two discussed Somaliland’s long-running quest for international recognition, regional security and economic development.
Lord Ashcroft, former Deputy Chairman of the Conservative Party, wrote that the meeting took place during what he described as a historic moment linked to the opening of Somaliland’s embassy in Israel, which he said reflected a new phase in Somaliland’s diplomatic engagement and its efforts to secure formal international recognition.
Recalling a previous visit to Somaliland, Ashcroft said he had seen a territory that has maintained peace, democratic governance and functioning public institutions for more than 35 years. He argued that Somaliland has demonstrated the practical attributes of statehood and therefore deserves formal recognition by the international community.
According to Ashcroft, President Cirro told him that the United Kingdom should now move toward recognizing Somaliland. The President said British governments had long maintained that the UK would not be the first country to recognize Somaliland but would be willing to follow another country’s lead. He argued that, with the first recognition now in place, Britain should take the next step.
Ashcroft quoted President Cirro as saying that recognition is not simply a symbolic issue but a legitimate right earned through Somaliland’s record of maintaining peace, democratic governance and political stability. The President cited Somaliland’s history of holding competitive elections, facilitating peaceful transfers of power and independently managing public institutions responsible for security, education, healthcare and other essential services.
The President also highlighted Somaliland’s functioning state institutions, national security forces and administrative structures, saying they had been built without international state-building missions. He further pointed to his government’s disarmament and integration of thousands of militia members into the national armed forces and civilian society as evidence of Somaliland’s capacity to consolidate peace and strengthen national institutions.
On the economy, President Cirro said Somaliland possesses significant deposits of oil, natural gas and lithium, while offering investment opportunities in agriculture, fisheries, trade and infrastructure. He added that international companies have shown interest in investing in the territory’s natural resources and economic development.
According to Ashcroft, President Cirro also said Somaliland’s developing relationship with Israel extends beyond diplomacy and is intended to promote cooperation in water management, agriculture, healthcare, technology and broader economic development.
The discussions also addressed Somaliland’s strategic location along one of the world’s busiest maritime corridors. President Cirro said the territory’s position on the Gulf of Aden gives it strategic importance for international trade, regional security and investment across the Horn of Africa.
Ashcroft concluded that Somaliland has, over several decades, established itself as a peaceful, democratic and stable political entity with functioning institutions. He argued that these achievements justify formal international recognition and urged the international community to reconsider its longstanding position on Somaliland’s status.
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