Evolution in Somaliland's diplomatic ties
Taiwan and Somaliland Strengthen Maritime Partnership with Coast Guard Agreement
A significant step forward in enhancing global status and asserting national interests was taken on July 24, 2025, as Taiwan and Somaliland signed a Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement. This strategic partnership focuses on security and law enforcement cooperation to protect Somaliland's coastline and promote regional stability.
The agreement marks a crucial development for Somaliland, strengthening its national security and maritime governance while safeguarding its blue economy. For Taiwan, the agreement provides strategic influence in the Horn of Africa maritime corridor, a vital global trade chokepoint where about 12% of world trade passes.
The bond between Somaliland and Taiwan is based on a mutual belief in partnership between equals to satisfy their national needs. This partnership is rooted in shared democratic ideals and mutual support against authoritarian pressures. The agreement builds on the formal relations established since 2020 and encourages trilateral or multilateral cooperation with like-minded countries, such as the United States.
Key focus areas of the agreement include maritime law enforcement, anti-piracy measures, and broader security cooperation between the coast guard authorities of both parties. The agreement aims to move the relationship towards operational cooperation, with three key activities: cooperation, intelligence sharing, and technology transfer.
The success of the Taiwan-Somaliland partnership is explained by its foundational principles merging into a mutually beneficial outcome. The first visit of Somaliland Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Abdirahman Dahir Adam to Taiwan was referred to as reflecting the strength, resilience, and shared values of their democratic partnership.
The evolution of the relationship between Somaliland and Taiwan demonstrates that shared values and respect for each other's identity can foster alliances. This partnership serves as a contrast to China’s approach with African partners, which is predominantly economic and infrastructure-driven via large-scale investments, trade, and development projects, often tied to its Belt and Road Initiative.
In contrast, Taiwan’s agreement with Somaliland is explicitly framed as a security and democratic alliance, emphasizing shared governance values and mutual strategic interest rather than primarily economic investment. Taiwan’s partnership signals a soft power approach leveraging values-based diplomacy and bilateral defense cooperation in a geopolitically sensitive region, rather than China's often state-led economic footprint and infrastructure projects.
Taiwan aims to provide Somaliland with necessary tools to compensate for the lack of external legitimacy due to non-recognition of its sovereignty and independence. This partnership highlights the challenges both face regarding international recognition, which shapes their strategic partnerships differently from China’s recognized state relations with many African countries.
In terms of benefits, the agreement enhances Somaliland’s national security and maritime governance, providing Taiwan strategic influence in the Horn of Africa maritime corridor. The success of this partnership demonstrates the resilience of democratic partnerships amid international challenges and authoritarian pressure.
Michele Maresca, an analyst at Il Caffe Geopolitico, an online international law journal, and the think tank Geopol21, further analyses the implications of this partnership.
References: 1. The Diplomat 2. Reuters 3. Foreign Policy 4. Asia Times
- The Coast Guard Cooperation Agreement between Taiwan and Somaliland, signed in 2025, is a significant step in managing 'war-and-conflicts' and 'politics' in the Horn of Africa, as it emphasizes shared democratic ideals and mutual support against authoritarian pressures, shifting the focus from economic investments to a security and democratic alliance.
- The Taiwan-Somaliland partnership, rooted in shared values, aligns with the 'policy-and-legislation' focus on maritime law enforcement, anti-piracy measures, and broader security cooperation, signifying a shift in 'general-news' narratives by showcasing the resilience of democratic partnerships amidst international challenges and authoritarian pressure.
