Hussein Deyr, the official spokesman to the President of Somaliland, has called on the international community to fundamentally reassess its policy toward Somalia while urging renewed consideration of formal recognition for Somaliland as a stable and democratic state in the Horn of Africa.
The spokesman issued a sharp warning on Friday, stating that Somalia’s political crisis has entered what he described as ‘a dangerous phase’ characterized by contested legitimacy, institutional instability, and growing authoritarian tendencies.
“The international community, particularly the United States and the United Kingdom, must recognize that Somalia’s political crisis has entered a dangerous phase marked by contested legitimacy, growing instability, and increasing authoritarian tendencies,” Deyr stated.
The spokesman expressed concern over what he described as rising political intimidation, institutional erosion, and expanding foreign influence inside Somalia, specifically accusing Turkey of pursuing strategic and economic dominance in the country.
“In particular, Turkey behaves as the new colonial power of Somalia,” Deyr remarked, reflecting growing criticism within Somaliland regarding Ankara’s expanding military, economic, and infrastructure presence in Mogadishu.
Over the past decade, Turkey has substantially increased its involvement in Somalia through defense agreements, military training programs, infrastructure investments, and port and airport development initiatives, establishing itself as one of Mogadishu’s closest international allies.
Deyr contended that the international community should implement more robust measures in response to Somalia’s deteriorating political situation, including targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, asset freezes, and a comprehensive reassessment of existing security partnerships.
“In response, the international community should consider targeted sanctions, travel restrictions, asset freezes, and a reassessment of current security frameworks and partnerships with Somalia,” he emphasized.
The Somaliland presidential spokesman additionally advocated for renewed international oversight under United Nations auspices, referencing the UN-administered trusteeship period that governed portions of Somalia during the 1950s prior to independence.
“It should also explore renewed United Nations-led international stewardship to prevent further destabilization,” Deyr suggested, “by recalling the significant international role that existed during the UN-administered transitional trusteeship period of the 1950s in Somalia Italiana.”
Central to the statement was a renewed effort to gain international recognition for the Republic of Somaliland, which reclaimed its independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of conflict under the former Somali dictator Siad Barre.
Deyr characterized Somaliland as “a peaceful, democratic, and stable nation” whose formal acknowledgment would enhance democratic accountability, regional security, and long-term stability throughout the Horn of Africa.
“At the same time, the world should give serious consideration to recognizing the Republic of Somaliland,” he asserted. “Recognition would strengthen regional stability, democratic accountability, and long-term security in the Horn of Africa.”
The declaration coincides with increasing international focus on Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, its expanding diplomatic efforts, and recent geopolitical shifts, including strengthening ties with Israel and broader international involvement across the Red Sea corridor.
Somaliland has progressively established itself as a dependable regional partner in the face of growing concerns about maritime security threats, extremist activities, and geopolitical competition across East Africa and the Middle East.
“The time has come for a new international policy approach toward Somaliland and Somalia,” Deyr concluded.