Political Statement on Recent Remarks by Former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu Regarding Somaliland

ENG. ABDI ALI BARKAD

This statement responds to recent remarks attributed to former Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoğlu concerning Somaliland, regional diplomacy, and Turkey’s proposed role in mediating political arrangements involving Somaliland and Somalia.

Mr. Davutoğlu recalled that in 2012, when some Western countries were considering recognition of Somaliland, Turkey intervened by inviting the leaders of Somaliland and Somalia to Istanbul for reconciliation talks. According to his account, those meetings resulted in agreements related to shared airspace management, coordination of donor assistance, and continued dialogue aimed at rebuilding a so-called united Somali state.

He has further suggested that Turkey should once again invite the leaders of Somaliland and Somalia, particularly in light of recent geopolitical developments involving Israel and Somaliland. He also proposed that Turkey provide economic assistance to Somaliland as part of this renewed engagement.

While these remarks reflect Turkey’s past diplomatic activism in the Horn of Africa, it is necessary to state clearly and respectfully that the political context of 2012 is fundamentally different from that of today. Somaliland in 2025 is not the Somaliland of a decade ago.

In 2012, Somaliland participated in dialogue in good faith, seeking stability, cooperation, and a peaceful framework for engagement. More than a decade later, those processes have failed to yield durable or meaningful outcomes. Somalia continues to face deep internal instability and lacks the institutional coherence required to negotiate Somaliland’s future in a credible or mutually respectful manner.

Today, the Republic of Somaliland is politically more mature, institutionally stronger, and diplomatically more experienced. Its people possess a clear national consciousness rooted in historical experience, sacrifice, and sustained self-governance. Somaliland is not a fragile entity that can be summoned, managed, or influenced through external pressure or symbolic mediation.

It must therefore be stated with clarity and dignity that the President of the Republic of Somaliland is not a leader who can be casually approached or politically directed by Turkey officials, regardless of their previous international standing. He represents a sovereign people with a firm commitment to self-determination and responsible statehood.

Attempts to revive approaches inspired by Ottoman-era influence or regional patronage thinking do not reflect contemporary realities. Such ideological frameworks have no practical or moral relevance in Somaliland today. The era of imperial nostalgia and indirect political control has passed.

Somaliland’s leadership(President Abdirahman Mahamed Abdillahi) operates according to the principles of moral diplomacy, which include the following core characteristics:

• Integrity: Commitment to honesty, transparency, and the courage to communicate difficult truths in international engagement.
• Empathy: Respect for diverse perspectives and cultural contexts while safeguarding national interests.
• Knowledge and Strategic Judgment: A deep understanding of regional and global affairs, enabling informed and responsible decision-making.
• Ethical Conduct: Discipline, reliability, and adherence to ethical standards in both domestic governance and foreign relations.

The political environment of today demands mutual respect, realism, and recognition of Somaliland’s achieved stability and democratic governance. Any meaningful engagement with Somaliland must be based on equality, consent, and acknowledgment of its distinct political identity.

Trust in international relations is built on actions, not religion. Based on experience, Somaliland finds the Israeli government more consistent and reliable in respecting political realities than many Muslim-majority countries that claim brotherhood but act against Somaliland’s interests.

This position is not about faith or identity; it is about credibility, respect, and non-interference. Some countries continue to support policies that undermine Somaliland’s sovereignty, while others engage pragmatically and transparently.

Somaliland seeks partnerships grounded in mutual respect, honesty, and recognition of its political reality. True friendship in diplomacy is measured by behavior, not slogans.

In conclusion, Somaliland in 2025 cannot be approached with assumptions rooted in the conditions of 2012. External actors must understand that Somaliland’s path forward is determined by its people and institutions. Constructive relations are welcome, but only when grounded in respect, sovereignty, and modern diplomatic principles. 

The statehood and independence of the Republic of Somaliland are irreversible. They are the result of history, sacrifice, and more than three decades of stability, democratic governance, and effective institutions. No external pressure or political maneuvering can reverse this reality.

Engineer Abdi Ali Barkhad is a senior consultant. He has also studied international diplomacy and is a political analyst and writer known for his detailed commentary on the politics of the Horn of Africa and international relations. He has published numerous articles analysing current policies in the region and is a strong supporter of the cause of the Republic of Somaliland . He can be reached at:  tra50526@gmail.com     

Editor’s Note : Views in the article do not necessarily reflect the views of borkena.com  

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