Former Turkish Envoy: Recognizing Somaliland Risks Fueling Clan Divisions in Fragile Somalia

The breakaway region of Somaliland should not be recognized by the international community, given the underlying clan tensions in the Horn of Africa nation, which has struggled with instability for the last three decades.

Kani Torun, a diplomat and former Turkish ambassador to Somalia, said there is no particular criterion that could be used to recognize Somaliland, the region which was part of Somalia before declaring self-independence in 1991.

To him, only clan and federalism separate Somaliland from Somalia, but the two items could still perfectly fit the country should the protagonists agree to drop hard stances and embrace their religion and language.

"Somaliland’s independence is not realistic in terms of ethnicity, religion, sect, and language. There is no difference between Somaliland and other parts of Somalia on the above criteria," said the former Turkish envoy to Somalia.

"There is only one difference, which is that clan and federalism would perfectly suit. If every clan gets an independent state, Africa would have more than 500 states."

Torun, however, maintains that the federal government of Somalia must solve security lapses for it to make any meaningful persuasion to end the three-decade conflict. This includes fighting Al-Shabaab militants who have destabilized the country.

"However, the main problem with the Somalia-Somaliland issue is Mogadishu. If Mogadishu solves political and security problems for other parts of Somalia, Somaliland would not have a strong case for independence. So blaming Somaliland doesn’t help, let’s make Mogadishu work."

His remarks mirror those of former US ambassador to Somalia Larry Andre, who said recognition of Somaliland instantly could further spark protests and instability. According to him, the US should consider having a consulate in Hargeisa for transactions of diplomatic services.

GAROWE ONLINE