UAE presses four countries on Somaliland recognition

MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has reportedly launched a diplomatic initiative encouraging four additional countries to recognize the self-declared breakaway region of Somaliland in northern Somalia, according to Caasimada Online, which cited diplomatic and intelligence sources within the Somali federal government on Tuesday.

The alleged campaign, attributed to Emirati officials, is said to involve engagement with Eswatini, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Zambia. The reports suggest that Abu Dhabi is actively lobbying these governments to extend formal recognition to Somaliland, a move that would significantly escalate an already sensitive geopolitical dispute in the Horn of Africa.

According to the unnamed Somali government sources cited in the report, these potential recognitions could materialize ahead of May 18, a date of symbolic importance in Somaliland. The region marks this day as the anniversary of what it calls its reclamation of independence from Somalia in 1991, following its union in 1960. Prior to unification, British Somaliland gained independence on June 26, 1960, while Italian Somaliland followed on July 1 of the same year, leading to the formation of the present-day Somali Republic.

Somalia Reaffirms Territorial Integrity

The federal government of Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its sovereign territory. Mogadishu has consistently rejected any attempts at international recognition of Somaliland, arguing that such actions violate Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty.

In response to earlier international developments, Somali officials have previously taken a hardline stance. When reports emerged last year that Israel had recognized Somaliland, Somalia condemned the move in strong terms, labeling Israel an adversary and warning of potential military consequences should Tel Aviv establish any form of presence or base in the region.

Somalia’s international partners, including Turkey, China, and Egypt, have also publicly criticized any recognition of Somaliland. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that unilateral recognition efforts do not serve the interests of Somalia or broader regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland’s Unilateral Declaration and Governance Claims

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. Although it has not received widespread international recognition, the region has maintained a relatively stable political and administrative system over the past three decades.

It operates its own governing institutions, maintains independent security forces, issues its own currency, and conducts regular elections, including presidential contests that are often cited by its supporters as evidence of democratic governance in contrast to instability in other parts of Somalia.

These governance structures have earned Somaliland cautious admiration from certain international observers and political commentators, particularly in Western policy circles, though formal diplomatic recognition has remained limited.

Expanding Recognition Efforts and Diplomatic Activity

According to Somali federal government sources cited by Caasimada Online, Argentina and Eswatini are considered the two countries most likely to move toward recognizing Somaliland, although no official decisions have been announced by either government.

Eswatini, a small landlocked monarchy in southern Africa, maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, making it the only African country to officially recognize Taipei. Somaliland also maintains unofficial ties with Taiwan, with both entities having established representative offices and engaged in development cooperation. Taiwan has reportedly supported infrastructure and health projects in Somaliland, including the construction of a modern hospital.

The sources further allege that the UAE has encouraged Eswatini to view Somaliland through a similar diplomatic framework as Taiwan.

Officials quoted in the report also claim that the UAE has offered financial incentives to Eswatini in exchange for recognition of Somaliland, although no specific figures or formal agreements have been disclosed.

Meanwhile, Argentina is also being closely monitored by Mogadishu due to its political alignment under President Javier Milei, who is described in the report as a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu was became the first world leader to publicly recognize Somaliland as an independent state last year.

Zambia is also listed among the countries reportedly targeted by UAE diplomatic efforts. However, Somali officials cited in the report express skepticism that Lusaka would proceed with recognition, given its membership in the African Union. The AU maintains a firm position against altering colonial-era borders, warning that such precedents could destabilize the continent’s post-independence territorial framework.

Regional Implications and Somaliland’s Position

The alleged diplomatic push comes amid renewed statements from Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro, who has repeatedly suggested that additional international recognitions may follow Israel’s decision. His administration and state-affiliated media have echoed these claims in recent weeks, signaling confidence in continued diplomatic momentum.

Somaliland authorities continue to assert that their statehood is irreversible and rooted in historical sovereignty, while Somalia and most of the international community continue to reject secessionist claims.

As of now, none of the governments named in the report — Eswatini, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, or Zambia— have publicly confirmed any formal decision regarding recognition of Somaliland. The UAE government has also not issued a public response to the allegations.

The situation remains fluid, reflecting the broader geopolitical contest over influence in the Horn of Africa, where strategic interests involving Gulf states, African Union members, and global powers continue to shape evolving diplomatic alignments.

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