Reporters at the Somaliland Globe have reported that Somaliland’s president, Ahmed Mohamed Silanyo is preparing early next year to pay “the largest ever official visit” made yet by a Somaliland delegation to China, at the invitation of their government [1].  China, as previously reported here, has been seeking to explore the petroleum reserves off of the coast of Somalia, and the invitation provided to Somaliland is another reminder of China’s sincere and serious interest in exploring diplomatic relations with Somaliland.

The author of the article in the Somaliland Globe correctly notes that those who are unwilling to treat fairly with Somaliland may find out that China’s willingness to do so will provide them with both geopolitical leverage in the vitally strategic Horn of Africa region, through having Somaliland as a local ally, and will also provide China with important natural resources.  Obviously, China has not recognized Somaliland’s independence yet, but an official invite as a delegation is a step in that direction and nations (like the United States and Great Britain) who wish to ally with Somaliland need to start considering whether they are interested as well in providing international recognition or a clear time line for doing so in the near future.

As leading members of China’s media were present to enjoy Somaliland’s hospitality and appreciate its cultural sites, with the revealing praise of Somaliland’s ability to develop so well without international help.  If China believes that Somaliland’s offshore oil reserves are large enough, some international help from them is likely, especially given the very warm bilateral moves being developed between the two countries.  Without a doubt, this news is a warning to other nations who have been slow in seeking official relations with Somaliland that China’s move to expand its interest in Africa is being welcomed, and that others need to follow suit if they wish to preserve their interests in the region.

[1] http://www.somalilandglobe.com/1280/somaliland-president-to-visit-china-with-largest-ever-government-delegation/