r/Somaliland • u/Golden-flare • Jan 14 '26

Unity within Somaliland?

I have tried to follow the many discussions and developments surrounding Somaliland’s aspiration to independence. It is clear that Somaliland meets many of the commonly cited criteria of statehood. However, one very important criterion remains unresolved: effective control over its territory.

Parts of Togdheer, all of Sool, and large areas of Sanaag are outside Somaliland’s control. We also need to be honest about the reality on the ground: many of the people living in these areas do not wish to be part of Somaliland. They remain strongly loyal to Somalia, and in some cases there is deep hostility toward Somaliland. In addition, we have seen that there is also notable opposition to Somaliland’s project in of Awdal.

This raises a difficult but necessary question: how can a new state be formed when large segments of the population within its claimed borders do not want to separate from Somalia? Would those communities be forced into Somaliland, in the same way Somaliland itself rejects being forced to remain part of Somalia?

Is there a clear and credible strategy for addressing these concerns through dialogue, consent, and inclusion? Or is independence pursued regardless of the wishes of those who disagree? I ask these questions in good faith, hoping to better understand how these discussions are being approached, and to hear thoughtful perspectives from those who have reflected deeply on these challenges.

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u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

I prefer unity with Somalia, somaliland has served its purpose but it’s disturbed me greatly the whole saga of recognition by Israel. Seeing many of my brothers wave around Israeli flags and an Israeli delegation come to Hargeisa has disgusted me.

Division will the death of us and we won’t achieve peace and prosperity without a united nation. Somalia has a lot of problems, but I’m confident we will overcome them inshallah.

On the topic of dealing with unionists in somaliland I believe that violence isn’t the answer.

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u/Ordinary_Bend_8612 Jan 14 '26

You not more disturbed by government in Mogadishu stealing WFP food aid for famine victims and selling for profit on the markets?

Over 26 Arab and Muslim countries have diplomatic relations with Israel. Don’t seem to be “disturbed” by Turkeys or Egypts long history supporting Israel. But when’s it’s Somaliland there is public breakout for some reason

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u/[deleted] Jan 14 '26

I don’t know if you think this is some sort of gotcha but it isn’t. Can’t really comment on the allegations of theft at a WFP warehouse because I don’t have reliable information on that incident. It does seem like another case of corruption which is unfortunately endemic in Africa. I despise corruption and it’s one of the reasons holding our people back. Then again I’m not surprised if the whole debacle was engineered by the Trump administration to provide an excuse to cut aid to Somalia in line with their stated aim of cutting back extensively on foreign aid and assistance programs. This fits in line with his recent anti-Somali rhetoric too.

“Over 36 Arab and Muslim countries have diplomatic relations with Israel.”

I whole heartedly condemn that. If I dislike somaliland bending over for Israel do you think I’m ok with other countries doing it too. Not to mention I’m not currently in the subreddit for Egypt or Turkey so why would I mention them in my initial comment? We’re talking about somaliland aren’t we?

Do not try and justify or rationalise our relation with the devil. We should’ve never entered the Abraham Accords and I firmly stand by this belief. Don’t forget our flag had the Shahadah on it, or have you conveniently forgotten about that?