Somaliland, often hailed as the sole democratic stronghold in the Horn of Africa, has accused the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) of orchestrating a deliberate campaign to destabilize the region. The government of Somaliland alleges that Beijing has forged a covert alliance with Puntland and the Dhulbahante SSC militias, threatening its sovereignty and undermining decades of stability and progress.
Somaliland’s leadership claims that China’s hostility stems from its diplomatic relationship with Taiwan, a stance that has put it at odds with Beijing’s foreign policy. Last week, Somaliland accused China of disguising truckloads of weapons as humanitarian aid to arm SSC militias operating in Somaliland’s eastern regions. Officials argue that this move is a calculated attempt to fuel conflict and weaken Somaliland’s democratic governance.
In a concerning development, a Chinese representative reportedly visited Bosaso, Puntland, to meet with regional leaders. Somaliland views this engagement as tacit support for Puntland’s aggressive policies, including its mobilization for war in Sanaag, a territory claimed by Somaliland. The visit underscores what Hargeisa perceives as Beijing’s endorsement of Puntland’s destabilizing actions against Somaliland.
Additionally, Puntland’s recent declaration of war on ISIS in its Bari region has raised alarm in Somaliland. Officials suggest that the counterterrorism operation could serve as a pretext to push extremist fighters into Somaliland, a territory currently free from terrorist activity. This alleged strategy, Somaliland warns, risks spreading instability and undermining its status as a peaceful, democratic state in the region.
Somaliland’s government asserts that China’s interference is part of a broader strategy to retaliate for its ties with Taiwan and to expand Beijing’s influence in the Horn of Africa. The collaboration with Puntland and SSC militias, they argue, constitutes a direct assault on Somaliland’s sovereignty and democratic values.
Hargeisa has called on the international community to address China’s alleged actions, framing the issue as a global challenge to democracy. “China’s actions in Somaliland are not just a regional concern—they are a warning to democracies worldwide about the CCP’s willingness to exploit instability to advance its authoritarian ambitions,” read a statement from the Somaliland government.
As tensions escalate, Somaliland remains steadfast in its commitment to preserving its democratic principles, urging global allies to stand against external attempts to destabilize its hard-won peace and sovereignty.