𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 – 𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

[Deeq A.]

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗔𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺 – 𝗔 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗔𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻

The growing threats from Al-Shabaab and the Houthi militant network demand immediate and decisive global action. Somaliland stands as the frontline defense against terrorism in the Horn of Africa, playing a crucial role in maintaining regional stability and securing vital global trade routes. Despite its lack of formal recognition, Somaliland has consistently proven its resilience, preserving peace and security in one of the world’s most volatile regions.

Al-Shabaab, the most dangerous terrorist network in East Africa, continues to expand its operations, with reports indicating a growing presence near Mogadishu and deeper incursions into Puntland. If left unchecked, the risk of spillover into Somaliland’s eastern regions is real and imminent. At the same time, the Houthis have escalated their attacks in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, threatening global shipping and trade. A destabilized Somaliland would provide an opening for these extremist groups to exploit, further destabilizing one of the world’s most critical waterways.

The combination of these threats poses a dire risk—not just to Somaliland, but to Africa, the Middle East, and global powers that rely on free and secure maritime passage through the Red Sea. Failing to act now could create a dangerous security vacuum, fueling the unchecked expansion of terrorist networks, piracy, and widespread instability.

𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗺

For decades, Somaliland has proven itself as a reliable partner in the fight against terrorism. Unlike Somalia, where instability has enabled extremist groups to thrive, Somaliland has maintained security through effective governance, a strong national identity, and community-led resilience against extremism.

However, no nation—recognized or not—can face such threats alone. While Somaliland has successfully prevented terrorist infiltration within its borders, the increasing pressure from extremist groups requires stronger international support, enhanced security cooperation, and better-equipped forces to counter evolving threats.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗹𝗱 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗨𝗽 𝗡𝗼𝘄

Sir Gavin Williamson’s call for urgent support for Somaliland is a step in the right direction, and UK Foreign Secretary David of Lammy’s commitment to working with Somaliland must now be backed by concrete action. The international community—especially the UK, U.S., EU, and regional allies—must take the following steps to strengthen Somaliland’s fight against terrorism:

● 𝗕𝗼𝗹𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Provide Somaliland’s security forces with advanced training, modern equipment, and counterterrorism resources to effectively combat Al-Shabaab and Houthi threats.

● 𝗘𝗻𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 – Establish deeper intelligence-sharing agreements with Somaliland to track terrorist movements, disrupt their networks, and prevent attacks before they happen.

● 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗗𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Strengthen Somaliland’s military installations, border security, and coastal defenses to prevent terrorist infiltration and maritime threats.

● 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱’𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗴𝗶𝗰 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Formal diplomatic recognition of Somaliland would unlock new security partnerships and international support, enabling it to play a more effective role in counterterrorism efforts.

Failing to support Somaliland now will have serious global consequences. A weakened Somaliland would create a power vacuum, allowing Al-Shabaab to expand its terror network and the Houthis to escalate their maritime aggression. This would not only disrupt international trade but also threaten the security of neighboring Ethiopia and Djibouti, further emboldening extremist groups across the region.

The time to act is now. Somaliland has repeatedly demonstrated its commitment to peace, security, and the fight against terrorism. It’s time for the world to stand with Somaliland—because investing in Somaliland’s security is investing in global stability.

𝗔𝗯𝗱𝗶 𝗛𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗺 𝗠. 𝗠𝘂𝘀𝗮
Political Analyst / Former Deputy Minister of Ministry of Commerce – Somaliland
Email: halimusa4@gmail.com
Hargeisa, Rep of Somaliland
𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗲: 𝗠𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗵 𝟭𝟴, 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱

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