By Lauren Sedemeester
19 June 2025
Most maps do not acknowledge Somaliland, but for over three decades it has quietly continued to exist, despite being left out of the international spotlight. Somaliland is a self-declared republic situated in the Horn of Africa, in the north-west of Somalia, sharing borders with Djibouti, Ethiopia, and the Gulf of Aden. Although it is not internationally recognised as a country, this has not stopped the breakaway state from building a peaceful society, making democratic progress, and strengthening its case for independence.
How Somaliland Came to Be
Somaliland was once a British territory known as British Somaliland. In 1960, it briefly gained independence before voluntarily joining the former Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. However, the union turned out to be unequal, with most power remaining in the south.
In 1969, the fragile democracy collapsed after President Shermarke was assassinated. A few days later, Siad Barre seized power, suspended the constitution, and arrested political leaders.
After a failed invasion of Ethiopia in 1977, the new military regime became a tool of oppression. In the early 1980s, Barre’s government grew openly hostile towards the north, stopping development of roads, schools, and hospitals, which were left to decay. Public services and funding were instead directed to the south.
In 1981, the Somali National Movement (SNM) launched an armed resistance against Barre’s regime in the north. This eventually led to the Isaaq Genocide—a mass atrocity targeting the Isaaq people, a major Somali clan with strong roots in Somaliland. Tens of thousands of civilians were killed in the conflict.
When Barre fled Somalia in January 1991, the SNM declared Somaliland’s independence on 18 May 1991. A constitutional referendum in 2001 saw 97% of voters approve independence and the establishment of a multi-party political system. Since then, Somaliland has operated as a relatively stable and democratic state, despite lacking international recognition. It maintains its own currency, army, passport system, parliament, judiciary, and has seen peaceful transitions between presidents.
According to our INcontext friend, “Somaliland is currently politically stable. A new president was recently elected and enjoys strong support among the population.” However, he also noted ongoing clan conflicts in the eastern regions that carry political undertones.
The Future of Somaliland
Somaliland’s quest for international recognition remains central to its political and economic future. Without formal recognition, it cannot sign treaties, join international institutions, access global financial systems or aid, control its airspace, or participate fully in international trade and sporting events.
Despite these limitations, Somaliland has actively pursued bilateral agreements to strengthen its position. In 2024, it signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Ethiopia, offering port access in exchange for potential future recognition. More recently, talks with US President Donald Trump and American defence officials have reportedly progressed towards possible recognition. These discussions have focussed on the strategic port of Berbera, as the United States reconsiders its “one-Somalia” policy in light of China’s growing presence in nearby Djibouti.
Internally, Somaliland continues to uphold humanitarian values, currently hosting nearly 23,000 refugees from different countries. Officials highlight the region’s strong Muslim identity and welcoming culture, which help refugees feel safe and integrated. However, they also point out that official recognition would help Somaliland support and resettle displaced people—including, potentially, more Palestinians—in a more structured and sustainable way.
Somaliland’s current borders reflect those it held as a British territory, during its brief independence in 1960, and now as the self-declared Republic of Somaliland. The historical continuity strengthens its claim to statehood and fuels its ongoing efforts to gain international recognition.
Yet, as our contact shared, “One of the biggest political challenges Somaliland faces is the lack of international recognition. Socially and economically, the lack of opportunity for youth—combined with the harmful effects of social media—is deeply concerning.” He added that while the economy is relatively stable, “unemployment is high, especially among the youth, and jobs are often given to relatives of those in power. Many young people spend their days online, with little structure, often exposed to harmful content, and become physically and emotionally weak.”
Religious Landscape
Somaliland’s constitution clearly states that Islam is the state religion, and only Muslims can hold national office. This rule is meant to protect national unity and preserve cultural traditions. The country’s political and legal systems are closely linked to Sunni-Shafi’i Islam and Sharia law, shaping a strong national identity based on religious values.
However, this unity leaves little space for religious minorities. Christianity, for example, is practised in secret. Converts and foreign Christians often hide their faith for safety. Those who convert from Islam may face harassment from their communities, and sharing or promoting any other religion is banned.
Our INcontext contact explains, “There is an almost insurmountable fear factor. Becoming a Christian as a Somali is viewed extremely negatively. Society sees it as betrayal. Due to anti-Christian propaganda, even family members often respond with aggression. There is a death penalty under Islamic law for apostasy, so converts risk their lives if their faith becomes known.”
While expatriate Christians are generally tolerated, the same is not true for Somali converts. “As long as they do not propagate the Gospel, they are left alone,” our contact says. “But Somali converts are at great risk. If they are financially dependent on their families or communities, they may be cut off or pressured to return to Islam. If they are influential, they may even face assassination.”
In this context, the underground church faces unique challenges. “The greatest need is freedom—especially for Somalis,” our contact adds. “Fear paralyses many believers. Most cannot meet in person and receive discipleship only through the internet, which lacks the support of real-life community. Financial dependence on external donors also cause division within secret fellowships.”
Still, there is hope. “What we truly need is for Somali believers to be convicted and filled with the Holy Spirit to overcome fear and walk in God’s power,” our contact says. “The global Church can help by praying, and by equipping Somali believers with vocational skills. Some of this training is happening in Ethiopia and Kenya, where it’s safer.”
The Global Church’s Role
Somaliland is a region of spiritual significance. With almost no open Christian presence and tight restrictions on religious freedom, it remains one of the least reached areas in the world.
It is important that the global Church stays informed—not just for awareness, but for prayer. In places where access is denied, prayer becomes the mission. In 1 Timothy 2:1-4, Paul urges believers to pray for “kings and all who are in high positions,” so that people “may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness.” This includes places where the Gospel is not welcome, and believers must live out their faith in secret.
Somaliland’s history tells a story of resilience. In a similar way, underground Christian communities reflect a quiet strength of faith—steady, courageous, and enduring. Though often overlooked by politics and global mission efforts, Somaliland is not beyond God’s reach. For the global Church, this is not just a call to care—it is a call to obey: to remember, to pray, and to prepare the way of the Lord in even the most overlooked corners of the earth.
“The Somali people are intelligent, gifted, and full of potential to bring glory to God,” our contact shared. “But the devil tries to keep them in bondage through fear, false religion, and destructive habits. The Gospel has not yet broken in significantly. But we trust it will.”
Please pray with us:
- For peace and political stability in Somaliland, especially in the eastern regions. Pray that leaders govern with wisdom and compassion, and that international recognition would bring justice, development, and better care for refugees.
- For the underground Church—especially Somali converts—to be filled with the Holy Spirit, stand firm in faith, grow in unity despite persecution, and find freedom from fear and rejection as new Spirit-led communities form.
- For Somaliland’s youth, facing high unemployment, lack of direction, and harmful influences. Ask God to provide vocational training, mentorship, and renewed hope and purpose.
- For the Gospel to take root across Somaliland. Pray for open hearts and that those discipling secretly or online are equipped, protected, and fruitful.
Sources
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c8d4dzq87rpo
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/somaliland-horn-africas-breakaway-state
https://www.ecoi.net/de/dokument/1436809.html
https://www.iiss.org/publications/strategic-comments/2024/03/the-ethiopia-somaliland-deal/
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/jun/03/britain-must-stand-ready-to-recognise-somaliland
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNPs9-ew10Y&ab_channel=AfricanBiographics
