STOCKHOLM (HornPost) — Swedish lawmakers have renewed calls for the government to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, arguing that the territory has developed its own political institutions and maintained a separate system of governance for more than three decades.
The issue has featured in several motions submitted to Sweden’s Parliament, the Riksdag, over recent years. Lawmakers supporting recognition have pointed to Somaliland’s political institutions, elections and security arrangements as reasons for Sweden to reconsider its position.
In a motion submitted on Sept. 25, 2024, Christian Democrats Ingemar Kihlström and Magnus Oscarsson urged the Swedish government to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. They repeated the proposal in another motion submitted on Oct. 1, 2025.
The lawmakers argued that Somaliland had demonstrated the ability to maintain democratic institutions and organize elections despite the challenges facing the Horn of Africa. Their proposals called on Parliament to support recognition and formally communicate that position to the government.
Recognition debate in the Swedish Parliament
The recognition proposals form part of a wider debate among Swedish lawmakers about Somaliland’s international status.
Supporters have highlighted Somaliland’s declaration of restored independence in 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, Somaliland has established its own administration, security forces and currency. It has also held several elections and developed working relations with international partners.
The lawmakers have argued that these institutions and political developments should be considered when Sweden reviews its policy towards the territory.
However, parliamentary motions do not automatically change government policy. They are proposals submitted by members of Parliament and must pass through the relevant parliamentary process.
Swedish government maintains its position
Despite repeated calls from individual lawmakers, Sweden’s government has maintained its position on Somaliland.
In a written response published on Aug. 21, 2026, Foreign Minister Maria Malmer Stenergard said Sweden had no plans to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.
She said the Swedish government continued to emphasize respect for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, in line with the positions of the European Union, African Union and other regional organizations.
The minister also said Sweden considered inclusive political dialogue important for stability and development in the Horn of Africa.
Previous parliamentary proposals
Calls for recognition have appeared in the Riksdag for several years. Earlier proposals were also submitted by lawmakers from different political groups.
In the 2025/26 parliamentary session, a separate proposal concerning the Horn of Africa included a recommendation to recognize Somaliland under certain conditions. The parliamentary record shows that the proposal was rejected.
The repeated motions demonstrate that Somaliland’s status remains a subject of discussion among some Swedish politicians. However, they have not resulted in a change in Sweden’s official recognition policy.
Somaliland’s international recognition campaign
Somaliland declared the restoration of its independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991. Since then, successive administrations in Hargeisa have pursued international recognition and sought stronger diplomatic and economic relations with foreign governments.
The recognition question remains closely connected to wider diplomatic discussions about sovereignty, territorial integrity and stability in the Horn of Africa.
For Somaliland, support from individual lawmakers in European parliaments provides an opportunity to raise its case internationally. However, formal recognition depends on decisions by national governments and their foreign policy priorities.
The Swedish debate therefore represents continuing parliamentary interest in Somaliland’s status, rather than a confirmed move by Stockholm towards diplomatic recognition.
Sources: Swedish Parliament (Riksdag), parliamentary motions 2024/25:527 and 2025/26:746; Swedish Foreign Minister’s written response of Aug. 21, 2026.
HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: https://hornpost.com
