TEAM FREEDOM

On 1 July 2020, Somaliland and Taiwan signed a major strategic agreement. As part of this, they decided to establish representative offices in each other's capitals. The agreement aims to foster cooperation on shared issues. To strengthen political, social, and economic ties between the two countries, with a focus on agriculture, education, energy, fisheries, health, IT  and mining.

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Taiwan-Somaliland relations are unique because of the many parallels between the two countries: Both are  unrecognized states that have experienced decades-long diplomatic aggression from larger neighboring states (Somalia and China respectively), yet both, through their grit and resilience, have thrived — achieving freedom, democracy, peace, and prosperity. 

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Perhaps it is time for the U.N., U.S., and EU to abandon fruitless Somalia-Somaliland talks as we are past the point of reunification. Somaliland is ready to choose international partners that suit its own needs. Europe must rethink its approach not just toward Somaliland, but all of the Horn of Africa, as it has up until now supported a regional economic integration policy that has only produced more conflict and exacerbated the refugee crisis in Ethiopia. The international community should do what is right by Somaliland and by the region, which is to support the Somaliland-Taiwan partnership.