Wednesday November 17, 2021
UK Minister for Africa Vicky Ford
MOGADISHU (HOL) - The UK will not recognize Somaliland as an independent state unless Somalia, Somaliland and African countries initiate the process, a British minister has said.
UK Minister for Africa Vicky Ford said in a response to a request from fellow MP, Danny Kruger that the UK, in line with the rest of the international community does not recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state. She noted that it is upon Somaliland and the Somalia to decide their future relations.
“Our policy remains that it is for Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to decide their future, and for neighbours in the region to take the lead in recognizing any new arrangements,” Ford said.
She however noted that the UK maintains a permanent diplomatic presence in Hargeisa and continues to offer assistance in infrastructure support, including the construction of the Berbera-Ethiopia highway, police training and counter-terrorism among other areas of support.
Ford noted that Somaliland is a successful and well governed part of Somalia, ‘with which we can collaborate effectively, unless and until Somalia and Somaliland agree on another arrangement.’
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 and declared itself independent but has not received international recognition.