Stephen has written to the Foreign Secretary, Liz Truss, outlining the case for recognising Somaliland as an independent state. The letter followed a debate in the House of Commons.
Stephen has long-supported Somaliland in its struggle for international recognition. In the thirty years since its declaration of independence, the country has shown itself to be capable of running itself as a democratic nation state. It has established its own currency, held free and fair elections, and formed successive Governments.
In his letter to Liz Truss, Stephen noted that Somaliland has been held back by its union with Somalia, and its lack of international recognition. He pointed out that the country has been able to hold free and fair elections, establish its own currency and form its own Government.
Speaking about his letter, Stephen said: “The lack of international recognition has caused problems for Somaliland. They have not been afforded a voice when it comes to fighting global warming, an issue it is greatly affected by. Somaliland has also been barred barred from the international institutions and forums where states interact. This in turn prevents it from accessing grants or loans from the World Bank, the IMF, or the UN.
“It is arguably now more representative of a functioning nation state than Somalia itself! I hope the Foreign Secretary will agree with me.”