The Berbera Breakthrough: Somaliland's Ascent in the Horn of Africa

Sun Tzu says; "To subdue the enemy without fighting is supreme excellence", this fits perfectly in Somaliland and Somalia’s conflict and the abled leadership of President Muse Bihi Abdi.

Somaliland, a rising dune amidst a plethora of opportunities in the eastern horn of Africa, was carved out of the then-British colonial yoke and got its independence on the 26th of June, 1960. A close investigation of its past gives tepid history lessons of the unforgettable struggle for freedom. Post-independence in 1960, it overcame a dictatorial regime under Mohamed Siad Barre, when the Somalian National Army overthrew the autocratic regime and established itself as a separate country called Somaliland. To clarify, Somaliland is a democratically independent nation and is not a part of Mogadishu’s Somalia.

A referendum on 31st May 2001, in which a staggering 97.1% of the eligible voting population agreed to establish a Constitutional Government with effective organs of governance. It has its own legislative, executive, and judiciary wing. The free country of Somaliland is now a politically autonomous, categorically egalitarian, economically prosperous, peaceful, socially vibrant, systematically matured, and substantive liberal democratic country. The recurring electoral processes under a strong election commission and the emergence of leaders with visionary thinking have consistently validated the democratic aspirations of the populace. In the present state of diplomatic battles, Somaliland is still fighting for its international recognition as a country.

In the contemporary state of affairs, a strategically located port city of Berbera in the state of Sahil region is in the news for a diplomatic win-win situation for Somaliland and Ethiopia. The port city has a rich historical rendition. It was a well-known trade town during classical times and was also recognized by early Arab geographers like Ibn Saʿīd (1286). In 1518, the Portuguese attacked and destroyed it. In the 17th century, the sharifs of Mocha took control, followed by the Egyptians in 1875 and then the British in 1884. Berbera became the capital of British Somaliland in 1941. The port has stood time and now catalyzes itself as a beacon of hope for Somaliland’s economic prosperity.

On Jan 1st, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for partnership and co-operation etched a new renaissance movement in the historical ties between Somaliland and Ethiopia. This MOU is assumed to assure a few critical things at a juncture of economic opportunity and recognition of Somaliland. Ethiopia is a landlocked country and is wishing for a port to serve its trade prospects. Somaliland, on a similar page, seeks recognition as an extended effort from Ethiopia. Within the ambits of an undisclosed MOU, Ethiopia is supposed to promise recognition of the state of Somaliland in the international arena, the Somaliland administration has in turn allowed trade access for Ethiopia in Berbera port. It’s a win-win situation for both countries.

The Somaliland leadership under Muse Bihi Abdi, the President of Somaliland, has vouched for a strong economy and sustenance of National interest beyond regional apprehensions of political debacles. His intentions to put the Nation first and consider pragmatism as the ethics of politics will help Somaliland in the long run with democratic contentions and international recognition. The question which arises here is, how helpful is the MOU? It was under the abled leadership of Mr. Bihi that a justifiable MoU was framed. A fact to be noted is that the President himself was a participant of the historic independence and freedom struggle.

Circling back to the MoU, Ethiopia, a neighboring friend, is the oldest independent country in Africa. The historical relations of Somalilanders and Ethiopians date back to 1982 when the Somali National Movement chose to ally with the communist Derg regime in Ethiopia against the forces of Somali dictator Siad Barre. Since Somaliland declared independence on May 18, 1991, relations between the Republic of Somaliland and Ethiopia have been filled with optimism, trust, and brotherhood.

The Berbera port, by 2035 is supposed to contribute nearly 27% of Somalialand’s GDP and 75% of its total trade. The MOU would benefit 1.6 million people and provide employment opportunities to 53,000 Somalilanders. In turn, the increase in trade would indeed increase the purchase power parity of the state and ease of access to affordable goods. It not only promises economic viability but transcends to long pending international recognition.

For Ethiopia, in contemporary economics, all its trade routes lead to Djibouti, handling an estimated 95% of its trade. Ethiopia seeks relief from this dependency, and Somaliland finds a diplomatic opportunity here. This trade-off skillfully balances and benefits both nations. Any diplomatic chatter about Ethiopia hegemonizing Somaliland should be dismissed, as it is simply a diplomatic excess of such countries who are unable to come out of the colonial mindsets. Nations must act independently to make such decisive decisions that are pragmatic enough. The opportunity to break barriers can happen only through trade-offs and such trade-offs are justifiable if recognition and national interest are intrinsic to the nation’s growth. The other country Somalia under the leadership of Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, is on a diplomatic mission to ensure that the MOU fails. Somaliland’s perpetual peace and deconstruction of offensive Somalia's hegemony require similar diplomatic steps to be taken.

Mr. Muse Bihi Abdi has shed historical barriers and has penetrated deep diplomatic channels to enable recognition for Somaliland. His efforts towards nation-building draw no parallel. His consequential trade deal would bring not only economic prosperity but also build soft power, smart power, and fast power. The Somaliland pride has been revived by Bihi’s efforts and the visionary leadership will attain much greater heights for Somaliland.

In this international balance of power, trade-offs are essential for internal and external balancing. Somaliland’s presidential efforts for the Berbera port MOU are an exemplary example of natural diplomacy and an answer to the Western interpretation of the world colonial order. In this ever-expanding multipolar world and multipolar Africa, Somaliland is all set to emerge as a major political player and sustain its national interest.

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