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Somaliland's International Recognition Issue: Opportunities and Threats

Year 2025, Volume: 18 Issue: 1, 176 - 195, 30.04.2025

Elif Dilan Tütmez , Ayça Eminoğlu

https://doi.org/10.37093/ijsi.1511060

Abstract

After the fall of the Siad Barre regime in Somalia, Somaliland broke away from the failed Greater Somalia and declared independence in 1991. Compared to the Somali state, Somaliland has not been able to achieve the international recognition it sought, although it has built a relatively more successful state. Somaliland's independence process, which began in 1960, was replaced by an effort for international recognition in 1991. The country's struggle for recognition has been shaped by African and Western actors and their relations with Somaliland. This article attempts to uncover the politics behind Somaliland's non-recognition. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the urgency of Somaliland's international recognition and to unravel the complexity of the main arguments for it. The article examines Somaliland's position in legal understanding, drawing attention to the international conditions of recognition, basic theoretical debates, and forms of recognition. The article prefers SWOT analysis as a method to examine the factors influencing the non-recognition or recognition of Somaliland. Considering the forms of recognition in international law, its theoretical framework, Somaliland's political development, and regional problems, the SWOT analysis serves as a bridge in this study in terms of an unbiased and causal view of the process.

Keywords

Somaliland Somalia Statehood International Recognition Independence

References

  • Azarkan, E. (2016). Devletlerin tanınması ve 1933 Montevideo Sözleşmesi. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 15(4), 1055-1068. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.265485.
  • Beyene, T. S. (2019). Declaration of Statehood by Somaliland and the Effect of Non-Recognition under International Law, Beijing Law Review, 10, 196-211. https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2019.101012.
  • Britannica (1998). Hawd Plateau. https://www.britannica.com/place/Hawd-Plateau#ref176869.
  • Bryden, M. (2004). State-within-a-failed-state: Somaliland and the challenge of international recognition. In
  • Paul Kingston & I. Spears (Eds.), States-Within-States: Incipient Political Entities in the Post–Cold War Era (167-188). Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Coggins, Bridget L (2006). Secession, recognition & the internal politics of statehood. (Publication No: 3226407) [Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
  • Craword, J. (2006). The creation of states in international law. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228423.001.0001.
  • Crisis Group (2006). Somaliland: time for African Union leadership. Crisis Group Africa Report N°110.
  • Crozat, C. (1953). Devletler Hukukunda Tanıma. İstanbul Üniversitesi Hukuk Mecmuası 19 (1-2), 3-32.
  • Çakır, T. (2022). Uti possidetis (mevcut sınırların korunması) ilkesi üzerine bir değerlendirme. Akdeniz Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 12(2), 595-623. https://doi.org/10.54704/akdhfd.1181014
  • Dettoni, J. (2023). Somaliland's road to recognition passes through Ethiopia. https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/feature/somalilands-road-to-recognition-passes-through-ethiopia-81996.
  • Eggers, A. K. (2007). When is the state a state? The case for recognition of Somaliland. Boston College International & Comparative Law Review, 30, 211-22.
  • Eminoğlu, A. (2015). Uluslararası politikada devletlerin tanınması: 'ayrılma' ile ortaya çıkan devletlerde Tanınma Sorunu. KTU SBE Sos. Bil. Dergisi (9), 123-141
  • European Commission (2015). SWOT (Strenghts, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats). https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/ExactExternalWiki/SWOT+analysis+-+strengths%2C+weaknesses%2C+opportunities+and+threats.
  • Fabry, M. (2010). Recognizing states; international society and the establishment of new states since 1776. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199564446.001.0001.
  • Fadal, F. (2013). Challenges to Somaliland independence. In Social Research and Development Institute (Ed.), Somaliland statehood, recognition and the ongoing dialogue with Somalia (36-48). SORADI.
  • Grant, T. D. (1999). The recognition of states; law and practice in debate and evolution. Library of Congress.
  • Hems, M. & Nixon, J. (2010). Exploring SWOT analysis–where are we now? Journal of Strategy and Management, 3(3), 215-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011064837.
  • Hoch, T., & Rudincova, K. (2015). Legitimization of statehood in de facto states: a aase study of Somaliland. AUC Geographica, 50(1), 37-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.14712/23361980.2015.85.
  • Hoehne, M. V. (2015). Between Somaliland and Puntland: marginalization, militarization and conflicting political visions. The Rift Valley Institute.
  • Hoyle, Peggy. (2000). Somaliland: Passing The Statehood Test? IBRU Boundary and Security Bulletin, 80-91. Institut De Droit International. (1936). Resolutions concerning the recognition of new states and new governments. The American Journal of International Law, 30(4), 185-187. https://doi.org/10.2307/2213442.
  • Jennings, R., & Watts, A. (1996). Oppenheim's international law, volume I. Library of Congress.
  • Jackson, R. (1993): Quasi-states: sovereignty, international relations and the third world. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511559020.
  • Kelsen, H. (1941). Recognition in international law: theoretical observations. The American Journal of International Law, 35(4), 605-617. https://doi.org/10.2307/2192561.
  • Kenning, D. (2011). Somalia and Somaliland: the two edged sword of international intervention. Federal Governance, 8(2), 63-70. https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-342769.
  • Kibble, S. (2001). Somaliland: surviving without recognition; Somalia: recognised but failing? International Relations, 15(5), Sage Publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/004711701015005002.
  • Kreuter, A. (2010). Self-determination, sovereignty, and the failure of states: Somaliland and the case for justified secession. Minnesota Journal of International Law, 363-397. https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/mjil/341.
  • Lauterpacht, H. (1944). Recognition of states in international law. The Yale Law Journal, 53(3), 385-458. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13051/13240.
  • Leigh, D. (2009). SWOT analysis. In K. H. Silber, W. R. Foshay & R. Watkins (Eds.), Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace: 1‐3, 115-140. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470592663.ch24.
  • Lindblom, A. K. (2005). Non-governmental organisations in international law, Cambridge University Press.
  • Menkhaus, K. (2003). Somalia: a situation analysis and trend assesment. UNHCR-Writenet Report.
  • Mesfin, B. (2009). The political development of Somaliland and its conflict with Puntland. ISS Paper 200, 1-16.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hargeisa (2002). The case for Somaliland's for international recognition as an independent state. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland.
  • Ministry of Information Hargeisa. (2001). Somaliland: demand for international recognition. Government of the Republic of Somaliland.
  • Nasir, M. A. (2003). Overcoming diplomatic isolation: forging a new Somaliland approach. In Social Research and Development Institute (Ed.), Somaliland statehood, recognition and the ongoing dialogue with Somalia (1-20). SORADI.
  • Noortmann, M. (2015). Non-Governmental Organisations: Recognition, Roles, Rights and Responsibilities, Non-State Actors in International Law, M. Noortmann, A. Reinisch ve C. Ryngaert (Ed.), Oxford, 205-206
  • Nte, T. U. (2022). Dissolution of union between British and Italian Somalia. Irish International Journal of Law, Political Sciences and Administration, 6(5), 64-78.
  • Pazarcı, H. (2012). Uluslararası hukuk. Turhan Kitabevi.
  • Pegg, S. (1998). The de facto state in international society, Routledge.
  • Pijovic, N. (2013). Seceding but not succeeding African international relations and Somaliland’s lacking international recognition. CIRR XIX (68), 5-37.
  • Pijovic, N. (2014). To be or not to be: rethinking the possible repercussions of Somaliland’s international statehood recognition. African Studies Quarterly, 14(4), 17-36.
  • Ramani, S. (2021). What UAE’s growing presence in Somaliland means for its horn of Africa strategy. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/03/what-uaes-growing-presence-somaliland-means-its-horn-africa-strategy.
  • Ryngaert, C., & Sobrie, S. (2011). Recognition of states: international law or realpolitik? The practice of recognition in the wake of Kosovo, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Leiden Journal of International Law, 24, 467-490. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0922156511000100.
  • Shaw, M. N. (2017). Uluslararası hukuk. TÜBA.
  • Sloane, R. D. (2002). The changing face of recognition in international law: a case study of Tibet. 16 Emory International Law Review 107, 107-186. http://ssrn.com/abstract_id=943708.
  • Talmon, S. (2001). Recognition of governments in international law: with particular reference to governments in exile. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/law/9780199248391.001.0001.
  • Talmon, S. (2004). The constitutive versus the declaratory theory of recognition: tertium non datur? British Yearbook of International Law, 75(1), 101-181. https://doi.org/10.1093/bybil/75.1.101.
  • Vidmar, J. (2012). Explaning the legal effects of recognition. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 61(2) , 361-387. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020589312000164.
  • Worster, W. T. (2009). Law, Politics, and the Conception of the State Recognition Theory. Boston Un. International Law Journal Vol. 27, 115-171

Somaliland’in Uluslararası Alanda Tanınma Sorunu: Fırsatlar ve Tehditler

Year 2025, Volume: 18 Issue: 1, 176 - 195, 30.04.2025

Elif Dilan Tütmez , Ayça Eminoğlu

https://doi.org/10.37093/ijsi.1511060

Abstract

Somali’deki Siad Barre rejiminin düşüşünden sonra Somaliland, başarısız olan Büyük Somali Birliği’nden ayrılmış ve 1991 yılında bağımsızlığını geri kazandığını ilan etmiştir. Somali devleti ile karşılaştırıldığında Somaliland, kısmen daha başarılı bir devlet inşa etmesine rağmen uluslararası alanda istediği tanınırlığı elde edememiştir. Somaliland’in ilk olarak 1960 yılında başlayan bu bağımsızlık süreci, 1991’de yerini uluslararası tanınma çabasına bırakmıştır. Ülkenin tanınmaya yönelik mücadelesi ise Afrikalı ve Batılı oyuncular ile onların Somaliland ile olan ilişkilerine bağlı olarak şekillenmiştir. Bu makale, Somaliland’in tanınmamasının ardındaki siyaseti açığa çıkarmaya çalışmaktadır. Makalenin amacı, Somaliland’in uluslararası alanda tanınmasının aciliyetini ortaya koymak ve tanınması hakkındaki temel argümanların karmaşıklığını gidermektir. Makale, uluslararası alanda tanıma şartlarına, temel teorik tartışmalara ve tanıma şekillerine dikkati çekerek, Somaliland’in yasal anlayıştaki konumunu araştırmaktadır. Bu doğrultuda ise makalede, Somaliland’in siyasi gelişimi ve bölgesel sorunlarına yer verilmektedir. Makalede, Somaliland’in tanınmamasını veya tanınmasını etkileyen faktörleri incelemek adına SWOT analizi bir yöntem olarak tercih edilmektedir. Uluslararası hukukun tanınma şekilleri, teorik çerçevesi, Somaliland’in siyasi gelişimi ve bölgesel sorunları düşünüldüğünde, sürece tarafsız bakmak açısından SWOT analizi bu çalışmada köprü görevi görmektedir.

Keywords

Somaliland Somali Devlet Olma Uluslararası Tanıma Bağımsızlık

References

  • Azarkan, E. (2016). Devletlerin tanınması ve 1933 Montevideo Sözleşmesi. Gaziantep University Journal of Social Sciences, 15(4), 1055-1068. https://doi.org/10.21547/jss.265485.
  • Beyene, T. S. (2019). Declaration of Statehood by Somaliland and the Effect of Non-Recognition under International Law, Beijing Law Review, 10, 196-211. https://doi.org/10.4236/blr.2019.101012.
  • Britannica (1998). Hawd Plateau. https://www.britannica.com/place/Hawd-Plateau#ref176869.
  • Bryden, M. (2004). State-within-a-failed-state: Somaliland and the challenge of international recognition. In
  • Paul Kingston & I. Spears (Eds.), States-Within-States: Incipient Political Entities in the Post–Cold War Era (167-188). Palgrave Macmillan.
  • Coggins, Bridget L (2006). Secession, recognition & the internal politics of statehood. (Publication No: 3226407) [Doctoral dissertation, The Ohio State University]. ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global.
  • Craword, J. (2006). The creation of states in international law. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199228423.001.0001.
  • Crisis Group (2006). Somaliland: time for African Union leadership. Crisis Group Africa Report N°110.
  • Crozat, C. (1953). Devletler Hukukunda Tanıma. İstanbul Üniversitesi Hukuk Mecmuası 19 (1-2), 3-32.
  • Çakır, T. (2022). Uti possidetis (mevcut sınırların korunması) ilkesi üzerine bir değerlendirme. Akdeniz Üniversitesi Hukuk Fakültesi Dergisi, 12(2), 595-623. https://doi.org/10.54704/akdhfd.1181014
  • Dettoni, J. (2023). Somaliland's road to recognition passes through Ethiopia. https://www.fdiintelligence.com/content/feature/somalilands-road-to-recognition-passes-through-ethiopia-81996.
  • Eggers, A. K. (2007). When is the state a state? The case for recognition of Somaliland. Boston College International & Comparative Law Review, 30, 211-22.
  • Eminoğlu, A. (2015). Uluslararası politikada devletlerin tanınması: 'ayrılma' ile ortaya çıkan devletlerde Tanınma Sorunu. KTU SBE Sos. Bil. Dergisi (9), 123-141
  • European Commission (2015). SWOT (Strenghts, Weakness, Opportunities, Threats). https://wikis.ec.europa.eu/display/ExactExternalWiki/SWOT+analysis+-+strengths%2C+weaknesses%2C+opportunities+and+threats.
  • Fabry, M. (2010). Recognizing states; international society and the establishment of new states since 1776. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/acprof:oso/9780199564446.001.0001.
  • Fadal, F. (2013). Challenges to Somaliland independence. In Social Research and Development Institute (Ed.), Somaliland statehood, recognition and the ongoing dialogue with Somalia (36-48). SORADI.
  • Grant, T. D. (1999). The recognition of states; law and practice in debate and evolution. Library of Congress.
  • Hems, M. & Nixon, J. (2010). Exploring SWOT analysis–where are we now? Journal of Strategy and Management, 3(3), 215-251. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251011064837.
  • Hoch, T., & Rudincova, K. (2015). Legitimization of statehood in de facto states: a aase study of Somaliland. AUC Geographica, 50(1), 37-49. http://dx.doi.org/10.14712/23361980.2015.85.
  • Hoehne, M. V. (2015). Between Somaliland and Puntland: marginalization, militarization and conflicting political visions. The Rift Valley Institute.
  • Hoyle, Peggy. (2000). Somaliland: Passing The Statehood Test? IBRU Boundary and Security Bulletin, 80-91. Institut De Droit International. (1936). Resolutions concerning the recognition of new states and new governments. The American Journal of International Law, 30(4), 185-187. https://doi.org/10.2307/2213442.
  • Jennings, R., & Watts, A. (1996). Oppenheim's international law, volume I. Library of Congress.
  • Jackson, R. (1993): Quasi-states: sovereignty, international relations and the third world. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511559020.
  • Kelsen, H. (1941). Recognition in international law: theoretical observations. The American Journal of International Law, 35(4), 605-617. https://doi.org/10.2307/2192561.
  • Kenning, D. (2011). Somalia and Somaliland: the two edged sword of international intervention. Federal Governance, 8(2), 63-70. https://nbn-resolving.org/urn:nbn:de:0168-ssoar-342769.
  • Kibble, S. (2001). Somaliland: surviving without recognition; Somalia: recognised but failing? International Relations, 15(5), Sage Publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/004711701015005002.
  • Kreuter, A. (2010). Self-determination, sovereignty, and the failure of states: Somaliland and the case for justified secession. Minnesota Journal of International Law, 363-397. https://scholarship.law.umn.edu/mjil/341.
  • Lauterpacht, H. (1944). Recognition of states in international law. The Yale Law Journal, 53(3), 385-458. http://hdl.handle.net/20.500.13051/13240.
  • Leigh, D. (2009). SWOT analysis. In K. H. Silber, W. R. Foshay & R. Watkins (Eds.), Handbook of Improving Performance in the Workplace: 1‐3, 115-140. https://doi.org/10.1002/9780470592663.ch24.
  • Lindblom, A. K. (2005). Non-governmental organisations in international law, Cambridge University Press.
  • Menkhaus, K. (2003). Somalia: a situation analysis and trend assesment. UNHCR-Writenet Report.
  • Mesfin, B. (2009). The political development of Somaliland and its conflict with Puntland. ISS Paper 200, 1-16.
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hargeisa (2002). The case for Somaliland's for international recognition as an independent state. Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Somaliland.
  • Ministry of Information Hargeisa. (2001). Somaliland: demand for international recognition. Government of the Republic of Somaliland.
  • Nasir, M. A. (2003). Overcoming diplomatic isolation: forging a new Somaliland approach. In Social Research and Development Institute (Ed.), Somaliland statehood, recognition and the ongoing dialogue with Somalia (1-20). SORADI.
  • Noortmann, M. (2015). Non-Governmental Organisations: Recognition, Roles, Rights and Responsibilities, Non-State Actors in International Law, M. Noortmann, A. Reinisch ve C. Ryngaert (Ed.), Oxford, 205-206
  • Nte, T. U. (2022). Dissolution of union between British and Italian Somalia. Irish International Journal of Law, Political Sciences and Administration, 6(5), 64-78.
  • Pazarcı, H. (2012). Uluslararası hukuk. Turhan Kitabevi.
  • Pegg, S. (1998). The de facto state in international society, Routledge.
  • Pijovic, N. (2013). Seceding but not succeeding African international relations and Somaliland’s lacking international recognition. CIRR XIX (68), 5-37.
  • Pijovic, N. (2014). To be or not to be: rethinking the possible repercussions of Somaliland’s international statehood recognition. African Studies Quarterly, 14(4), 17-36.
  • Ramani, S. (2021). What UAE’s growing presence in Somaliland means for its horn of Africa strategy. https://www.al-monitor.com/originals/2021/03/what-uaes-growing-presence-somaliland-means-its-horn-africa-strategy.
  • Ryngaert, C., & Sobrie, S. (2011). Recognition of states: international law or realpolitik? The practice of recognition in the wake of Kosovo, South Ossetia, and Abkhazia. Leiden Journal of International Law, 24, 467-490. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0922156511000100.
  • Shaw, M. N. (2017). Uluslararası hukuk. TÜBA.
  • Sloane, R. D. (2002). The changing face of recognition in international law: a case study of Tibet. 16 Emory International Law Review 107, 107-186. http://ssrn.com/abstract_id=943708.
  • Talmon, S. (2001). Recognition of governments in international law: with particular reference to governments in exile. Oxford University Press. https://doi.org/10.1093/law/9780199248391.001.0001.
  • Talmon, S. (2004). The constitutive versus the declaratory theory of recognition: tertium non datur? British Yearbook of International Law, 75(1), 101-181. https://doi.org/10.1093/bybil/75.1.101.
  • Vidmar, J. (2012). Explaning the legal effects of recognition. International and Comparative Law Quarterly, 61(2) , 361-387. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0020589312000164.
  • Worster, W. T. (2009). Law, Politics, and the Conception of the State Recognition Theory. Boston Un. International Law Journal Vol. 27, 115-171
There are 49 citations in total.

Details

Primary Language Turkish
Subjects Conflict Resolution in International Relations
Journal Section Articles
Authors

Elif Dilan Tütmez 0000-0001-7028-3016

Ayça Eminoğlu 0000-0001-6925-7339

Publication Date April 30, 2025
Submission Date July 5, 2024
Acceptance Date January 2, 2025
Published in Issue Year 2025 Volume: 18 Issue: 1

Cite

APA Tütmez, E. D., & Eminoğlu, A. (2025). Somaliland’in Uluslararası Alanda Tanınma Sorunu: Fırsatlar ve Tehditler. International Journal of Social Inquiry, 18(1), 176-195. https://doi.org/10.37093/ijsi.1511060
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