Double Standards: Somaliland and Northern Cyprus in Turkey’s Geopolitical Strategy

The cases of Somaliland and Northern Cyprus (TRNC) illustrate the complexities of de facto statehood and the challenges of international recognition. Both entities operate as independent nations with their own governments, militaries, and currencies, yet they remain largely unrecognized by the global community.

Somaliland: Restoration of Sovereignty

Somaliland’s quest for independence is rooted in the restoration of sovereignty. Briefly independent in 1960, it joined Italian Somalia to form the Somali Republic. The movement for separation intensified in the 1980s, driven by resistance to Siad Barre’s dictatorship. The Somali National Movement (SNM) led a civil war that resulted in the collapse of Somalia’s central government. In 1991, Somaliland declared the dissolution of the union at the Grand Conference in Burao.

Somaliland is recognized for its grassroots democratic governance, utilizing traditional clan reconciliation (the Xeer system) to build a modern state with a multi-party system and regular elections. Its stability and security are notable, especially compared to Mogadishu. In December 2025, Israel became the first United Nations member to officially recognize Somaliland. The region maintains its own passport, currency, and enjoys a relatively stable security environment.

Northern Cyprus: The Divided Island

Northern Cyprus’s independence stems from longstanding conflict between Greek and Turkish Cypriots, exacerbated by external interventions. The pivotal moment occurred in 1974, when a Greek-backed coup aimed at Enosis (union with Greece) prompted Turkey to intervene militarily, resulting in the island’s partition. The Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) declared independence in 1983.

TRNC operates as a semi-presidential republic but relies heavily on Turkey for economic, military, and political support. The United Nations and the Republic of Cyprus view TRNC as an “occupied territory,” and Turkey remains its sole international supporter. The UN maintains a buffer zone, and the international community recognizes the Republic of Cyprus as the legitimate government of the entire island.

The most significant distinction is external involvement. Somaliland’s independence was achieved internally, without foreign military assistance. In contrast, Northern Cyprus’s existence is sustained by Turkish military presence. Somaliland seeks to distance itself from Somalia, a “failed state,” while Northern Cyprus is part of a “frozen conflict” with the Republic of Cyprus, an EU member, creating divergent economic and diplomatic incentives.

Turkey’s Contradictory Policies

Turkey’s foreign policy reveals a stark contradiction. It is the sole advocate for Northern Cyprus’s independence, yet the strongest opponent of Somaliland’s sovereignty. For Northern Cyprus, Turkey cites the 1960 Treaty of Guarantee, claiming legal justification for intervention and ongoing support, including a permanent military presence and economic subsidies. Turkey promotes a two-state solution, emphasizing the Turkish Cypriots’ right to self-determination.

Conversely, Turkey defends Somalia’s territorial integrity, viewing Somaliland as a breakaway province. It argues that recognition of Somaliland would violate international law and destabilize the region. Turkey operates its largest overseas military base in Mogadishu and has signed a maritime pact to defend Somalia’s waters, aiming to nullify Somaliland’s independent port agreements. The goal is to maintain Turkey’s strategic influence in the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Geopolitical Friction

International observers often describe Turkey’s approach as inconsistent. For example, when Somaliland signed a port access agreement with Ethiopia in 2024, Turkey brokered the Ankara Declaration to ensure Ethiopia’s access would occur only under Somalia’s sovereignty. This duality allows Turkey to use the rhetoric of secession in the Mediterranean while advocating sovereignty in the Horn of Africa.

Somaliland’s Response

The prevailing sentiment in Somaliland is one of reciprocity. Decades of cooperation have given way to viewing Turkey as a strategic adversary. Somaliland’s message to Turkey is clear: end the double standard. The contradiction in Turkish policy is a major grievance—championing self-determination for Turkish Cypriots while blocking the same rights for Somalilanders is seen as hypocritical.

Turkey’s role as a mediator is no longer trusted. The 2024 Maritime Defense Pact, granting Turkey rights to patrol Somaliland’s waters, is perceived as overreach. President Erdoğan’s condemnation of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has been formally rejected by Somaliland’s government.

There is a growing movement to expel Turkish presence from Hargeisa, as Turkey’s diplomatic engagement is viewed as self-serving. Somaliland asserts that genuine diplomacy requires mutual respect; without recognition, Turkey’s presence is unwelcome.

Somaliland regards Turkey’s current stance as prioritizing a relationship with Mogadishu over partnership with a stable, democratic Hargeisa. Somaliland has established new alliances and is no longer seeking Turkey’s approval for its existence.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)