Somaliland: UK MP  introduces Bill on Somaliland recognition

Gavin Williamson, a Member of Parliament from the UK Conservative Party, has put forth a 10-minute rule bill that calls for the formal recognition of Somaliland. Williamson emphasized that acknowledging Somaliland as an independent nation could have a transformative impact on the lives of millions of people overnight, urging the UK Government to take action accordingly.

In his statement, Williamson underscored the significance of a nation with a population of 5.7 million, emphasizing its pivotal role within Africa. He called upon the House to fulfill the necessary measures to support Somaliland and ensure that it can effectively serve its people, who have diligently defended the principles of democracy and freedom that they hold dear.

The MP has previously introduced bills aimed at supporting the recognition of Somaliland. However, the British government has maintained its position, emphasizing that the future of Somaliland and Somalia should be determined by the parties involved.

Somaliland gained independence from Britain in 1960 and subsequently joined with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. However, this union was short-lived as Somaliland withdrew from the union in 1991.