New Delhi: Raising significant questions over the African Union’s (AU) longstanding position on Somaliland’s quest for international recognition, Indian strategic affairs advisor Dr Savio Rodrigues has issued an open letter to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, demanding greater legal clarity, institutional accountability and consistency in addressing the historical and political claims of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.
In the three-page communication dated November 7, 2026, Rodrigues has questioned whether the African Union’s approach towards Somaliland is founded upon a consistent interpretation of international law or whether geopolitical considerations and diplomatic convenience have overshadowed the historical circumstances surrounding the territory’s declaration of independence.
Dr Savio Rodrigues is an Indian strategic affairs advisor, journalist, author and public affairs professional. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Goa Chronicle and holds a PhD in Public Affairs and Peacebuilding. Known for his work on geopolitics, governance and international relations, Rodrigues regularly contributes to policy discussions through journalism, research, commentary and strategic advisory engagements
Titled “An Open Letter to the African Union: The People of Somaliland Deserve Answers, Not Silence,” the communication presents a pointed examination of Somaliland’s historical sovereignty, its 1991 declaration of restored independence and the AU’s responsibility to provide a transparent institutional response to its longstanding aspirations.
Rodrigues, writing in his personal capacity as an Indian, strategic affairs advisor and someone who recently visited Somaliland, stated that his observations were informed by interactions with its people, an understanding of their aspirations and an appreciation of their determination to shape their political future. He clarified that his position neither represents the Government of India nor claims to speak on behalf of Somaliland.
At the heart of his argument lies a historical distinction that, according to him, deserves serious legal examination. British Somaliland attained independence on June 26, 1960, before entering into a union with the former Italian-administered territory of Somalia on July 1, 1960. Somaliland’s central argument is that its 1991 declaration represented the restoration of previously established sovereignty rather than an ordinary attempt at secession from an existing state.
Rodrigues has questioned why this historical dimension has not received a more comprehensive legal assessment from the African Union, particularly when the organisation itself recognises the importance of respecting borders inherited at independence.
He has also drawn attention to the African Union’s fact-finding mission to Somaliland in 2005, which reportedly acknowledged the distinctive historical circumstances of the territory and cautioned against treating its case as a conventional secessionist movement.
The letter raises an important institutional question: what became of the findings and recommendations of that mission, and why has the AU not publicly articulated a comprehensive legal response to its conclusions?
In a series of six substantive questions, Rodrigues has sought clarification on the legal grounds preventing the AU from considering Somaliland’s claim to restored sovereignty, the applicability of inherited colonial boundaries, the absence of a comprehensive response to the 2005 mission, and the objective criteria that Somaliland must satisfy to secure a formal determination of its status.
He has further challenged the organisation to reconcile its commitment to Somalia’s territorial integrity with equally significant principles of self-determination, democratic governance, peace and the political aspirations of African populations.
Questioning the prolonged reliance on negotiations between Somaliland and Somalia, Rodrigues has asked what concrete mechanisms, enforceable guarantees and time-bound institutional pathways the African Union proposes after more than three decades of unresolved political uncertainty.
Importantly, the letter does not advocate disregarding Somalia’s sovereignty or dismissing the wider implications of recognising new states. Instead, it calls for an open, credible and legally reasoned examination of Somaliland’s particular historical circumstances.
Describing the people he encountered as a society possessing institutions, political convictions, economic ambitions and a strong sense of national identity, Rodrigues maintains that their aspirations cannot simply be reduced to diplomatic terminology.
He argues that the African Union, established to advance African dignity, unity, peace and development, must demonstrate institutional courage by addressing difficult historical and legal questions rather than allowing political sensitivities to perpetuate uncertainty.
Concluding his communication, Rodrigues has urged the African Union to publicly explain the legal basis of its position. If recognition is considered premature, he believes the organisation must clearly specify the applicable criteria and institutional process through which Somaliland’s claim could eventually be reconsidered.
The letter ultimately places a larger question before the African Union: can continental unity remain credible without ensuring that the historical claims and democratic aspirations of its people receive a fair and transparent hearing?
For Somaliland, the demand articulated in the communication is unequivocal—not necessarily immediate recognition, but an answer grounded in law, history and institutional accountability.
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