A few weeks ago, we drew attention to the trend of international experts, academics and policymakers being impressed with the peace, stability and progress in Somaliland. We also noted that more and more of these international experts are calling for Somaliland to be internationally recognized because they see such a move as a necessary step for helping establish democracy and the rule of law in a difficult and unstable part of the world. That trend is continuing. A recent example is the call by Dustin Dehez (Director for Northeast-African Studies at the Duesseldorf Institute for Foreign and Security Policy) for granting international recognition to Somaliland. In reply to a question by New York’s New School about the dangers of not recognizing Somaliland, Mr Dehez said: “Somaliland has made progress and although I believe that much of this progress is of sustainable nature Somaliland is nonetheless vulnerable. It is now in a position where it needs international recognition to proceed with the development of its economy – in a country with a high level of unemployment a necessity. Making contracts with international companies over port facilities or exploration rights will become a lot easier if Somaliland would achieve international recognition. With a weak economy the country could eventually become attractive for terrorists or organized crime that both benefit from weak states and less developed states. All in all, dangers are indeed bigger if Somaliland would not be internationally recognized."

Source: Somaliland Times

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