Somaliland Independence Recognition Institute
in formation - holding site
The Somaliland Independence Recognition Institute is a not-for-profit body, formally supported by the President of Somaliland and launched on Liberation Day, 18 May 2026.
The Institute's purpose is fourfold:
- To consider, foster and advance the legal record/case for justice for Somaliland and widespread recognition of Somaliland's independence — this will focus on core injustice issues to Somaliland including (a) genocide; (b) invalidity of Act of Union; (c) Somaliland's legal compliance with international law criteria for statehood; (d) Somalia's non-compliance with international law criteria for statehood (the illegality of its position within international organisations); and (e) Somalia's unjust enrichment from revenues, international aid/development, and other payments due to Somaliland;
- To consider and advise Somaliland on bringing potential strategic legal actions to obtain remedies for these core injustice issues (seeking judicial determinations, damages/reparations, and/or declarations etc.) through established courts and/or through establishing a Somaliland Special Tribunal for these purposes;
- To support and facilitate Somaliland's further transition into a fully recognised state within the international community – assisting and advising Somaliland on short and long term planning matters, international treaties and processes, development, and governance frameworks that will embed Somaliland's place within the international community; and
- To serve as an enduring guardian and symbol of Somaliland's commitment to democracy and independence – ensuring the freedoms of the Somaliland people are protected for generations to come.
As a permanent, transparent, best practice body incorporated in London, independent of any single government, the Institute will provide continuity and accumulated progress across Somaliland's democratic cycles and world leading expertise to drive the case for recognition forward. It will act as a hub to garner broad domestic and international support and expertise for these purposes.
The Institute's board combines exceptional expertise and experience including: Sir Gavin Williamson MP, Ambassador David Carden, Rageh Omaar, Professor Jason McCue, Mohamed Yonis, Professor Charles Kotuby, Dr Mohamed Fadal, and McCue Jury & Partners LLP. The core board is joined by three directorships from key ministries of state for the duration of their government term (that rotate with the democratic cycle).
These directors are supported by internal Executive Boards, Departments, Committees and Patrons' Boards (that are currently in formation). The Institute recognises that the cause and the Institute's four purposes are best served by harnessing and organising the tremendous grassroots civil society support (domestically and internationally) and by garnering the powerful international friends of Somaliland.
The Institute commenced Phase One: Establishment and Fundraising immediately following its launch on 18 May 2026. Once established and adequately resourced (for without Somalilander/International funding, the Institute cannot carry out its Core Functions nor professionally or seriously engage in legal actions within its Programme Activities), the Institute shall commence Phase Two: Legal Planning & Initial Strategic Legal Actions (Short Term Programme Activities). Only when fully prepared and resourced can Phase Three: Legal Proceedings (Medium – Long Term Programme Activities) be commenced.
Together, as one, attaining fully recognised independence is possible to bring peace and prosperity to all.
Thank you.
Further information about the Institute's work and how to get involved will follow shortly with the proposed development of the website.
Current enquiries can be made to SomalilandIRInstitution@gmail.com
Announcements will be made shortly as to fundraising activities and how you can donate to the Institute.