The African Union has, since its founding, adhered to the principle of uti possidetis — the preservation of colonial-era borders as a bulwark against the fragmentation of the continent. It is a principle born of pragmatism: without it, dozens of secessionist movements might have torn post-independence Africa apart. But it is also a principle that, applied rigidly, has worked against Somaliland.

The Historical Context

Somaliland's case is, in important respects, unique. It is not a secessionist movement in the conventional sense. Somaliland was a separate British protectorate that voluntarily united with Italian Somalia in 1960 — a union it formally dissolved in 1991, after the collapse of the Barre regime and a devastating war that killed an estimated 50,000 people and displaced hundreds of thousands more.

The argument, as MAAN Institute and Somaliland's government have consistently made, is that Somaliland is not breaking from a colonial-era border — it is restoring one.

The AU's Evolving Position

The AU has, in recent years, shown signs of movement. A 2005 AU fact-finding mission produced a report that was remarkably sympathetic to Somaliland's position, acknowledging its democratic achievements and suggesting that its case merited special consideration. That report was never formally adopted — but it was never repudiated either.

More recently, the AU's stated commitment to democracy, human rights, and good governance — values that Somaliland demonstrably upholds — provides an alternative normative basis for engagement. MAAN Institute's policy team has developed a detailed legal brief arguing this position.

The Role of Key AU Members

Ethiopia's relationship with Somaliland has deepened significantly, including a controversial but notable agreement on port access and potential recognition discussions. South Africa, Kenya, and Djibouti all have complex interests. Understanding and engaging these stakeholders individually is essential.

MAAN Institute's Recommendations

MAAN Institute recommends a structured AU engagement strategy — beginning with observer status in AU working groups, developing a legal brief on the uti possidetis exception, and building coalitions with AU member states that have progressive positions on self-determination.

Conclusion

The AU is not an insurmountable obstacle. It is a complex institution, navigable with patience, precision, and the right arguments. MAAN Institute is committed to building the intellectual and diplomatic architecture that makes that navigation possible.