“Somaliland has conducted several elections that have been perceived as relatively free and fair, the most recent of which was as late as November 13 this year.”
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Stockholm (ANN0-Sweden has joined the diplomatic wind that many of the governments, which contributes recognize Somaliland.
Sweden’s foreign minister was asked how the government wants to strengthen the relationship between Somaliland and plans to follow the United States, Israel and Ethiopia.
How does the Minister intend to strengthen ties to Somaliland, and does the Minister intend to follow the path taken by the US, Israel and Ethiopia regarding recognition?
Answer to written question 2024/25:491 answered by Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard.
In recent decades, Somaliland has undergone a unique democratic development and has built stable and functioning institutions, making the region a model in an otherwise very insecure part of Africa.
After independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has worked to establish its own government and inclusive political structures, despite not being formally recognized as a sovereign state. Somaliland has conducted several elections that have been perceived as relatively free and fair, the most recent of which was as late as November 13 this year. They have launched a political process in which several parties can participate, and election monitoring has contributed to increased trust among citizens. There has also been an effort to build and strengthen institutions, such as the judiciary and local authorities, to ensure that citizens’ rights are respected and that laws are followed.
Diplomatically, we have also seen how they succeeded very well in not having formally received re-recognition. On January 1 this year, they established a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Ethiopia, which aims to promote economic and diplomatic relations. The cooperation also means that Ethiopia will formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state. This agreement can also contribute to stability in the region and open up new trade opportunities.
Donald Trump has expressed his clear support for the recognition of Somaliland and said the US will do so when he takes office as president. Similar voices have been heard from Israel, which has also announced its ambition to build a military base in the country. Thus, several other countries may follow suit in this welcome recognition. Sweden should naturally follow suit and be prepared to start formal collaborations with the country whose diaspora in Sweden is the second largest in Europe.
In light of this, Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard wishes to answer the following question:
How does the Minister intend to strengthen ties to Somaliland, and does the Minister intend to follow the path taken by the US, Israel and Ethiopia regarding recognition?
to Minister of Foreign Affairs Maria Malmer Stenergard (M)
Answer to question 2024/25:491 by Markus Wiechel (SD)
Somaliland’s future
Markus Wiechel has asked me how I intend to strengthen ties to Somaliland, and whether I intend to follow the path taken by the US, Israel and Ethiopia regarding recognition.
Sweden has a long-standing involvement in Somalia, which also includes Somaliland. Political dialogue, development cooperation and personal contacts have contributed to broad areas of contact. From the Swedish side, we are keen to continue developing these ties with all of Somalia.
Support for democratization is a central part of Sweden’s development cooperation, and over time we have contributed to strengthening both national and local democratic processes in Somalia, including in Somaliland. Therefore, the government welcomes the democratic developments that have taken place in Somaliland, including the general elections that have just been held. The government hopes that Somaliland’s multi-year experience in this field, as well as the local general elections in Puntland in 2023, will inspire the rest of Somalia to free and democratic elections, in line with the federal government’s ambition.
As Markus Wiechel notes, Somaliland is not recognized as an independent state by any country, not even by Sweden. The government sees no reason to reconsider its position on this matter.