Somaliland should strengthen its legal and institutional framework in preparation for possible international recognition, according to a new analysis by Michael Rubin, an American foreign-policy analyst and a longtime advocate of stronger U.S. engagement with Somaliland
Writing in the Middle East Forum on September 10, Rubin argued that Somaliland’s Parliament should take practical steps to align domestic law with major international treaties and conventions while President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and his delegation pursue Somaliland’s recognition efforts in Washington and engage with international representatives at the United Nations General Assembly.
Rubin said Somaliland could demonstrate its commitment to the rule of law by formally endorsing conventions that Somalia has not joined, including agreements addressing transnational organized crime, human trafficking and migrant smuggling, as well as selected Hague conventions governing international legal cooperation.
He also recommended that Somaliland declare its intention to join the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court following United Nations membership and separately affirm its intention to accede to international agreements such as the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Rubin noted that treaty memberships held by Somalia would not automatically transfer to a newly recognized Somaliland.
The analysis argues that preparing the legal framework in advance would allow Somaliland to demonstrate institutional readiness and distinguish itself internationally as it pursues recognition. Rubin said Parliament should look beyond amendments to existing laws and begin identifying the international treaties Somaliland would seek to join and ensuring that domestic legislation is compatible with those commitments.
The recommendations come as President Irro’s administration intensifies diplomatic efforts in the United States, placing renewed focus on Somaliland’s case for international recognition and its readiness to operate within the international legal system.
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