Republic of Somaliland’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Hon. Said Hassan Bihi, has hailed the recent international recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as a significant achievement.
Speaking at an event hosted by the embassy and attended by members of the Somaliland community in the UK, Ambassador Bihi highlighted that the State of Israel has taken the lead in granting the recognition Somalilanders have sought for over three decades.
“We say to Israel: thank you very much,” he added.
Ambassador Bihi pointed out that the Federal Government of Somalia’s efforts were unsuccessful during the UN Security Council meeting it had requested, which was intended to block Somaliland’s recognition.
“In the Security Council meeting that Somalia requested—expecting it to halt the recognition of the Republic of Somaliland—Somaliland instead emerged victorious and gained greater prestige. The entire world is now discussing the Republic of Somaliland.”
He commended Israel’s UN Ambassador, Danny Danon, for effectively advocating Somaliland’s case and its legitimacy on the global stage:
“Israel’s Ambassador to the UN excellently presented the issue of recognizing the Republic of Somaliland and its legitimacy, making it clear to the international community.”
Ambassador Bihi criticized the United Kingdom’s stance, calling it unexpected:
“The UK’s statement that it does not recognize Somaliland was not something we anticipated, given that Somaliland was a British protectorate for 76 years.”
“We expected the UK to lead the effort for Somaliland’s recognition—or at the very least, to be the second country to do so. However, the statement by the UK Ambassador to the UN was disappointing.”
Finally, Ambassador Bihi urged Somalilanders at home and abroad to safeguard this hard-won recognition through unity, cooperation, understanding their adversaries, and standing together against them.
