Hornpost
Nigel Farage Tells Somaliland Supporters: More MPs Are Listening Now’
British MP Gavin Williamson: ‘The Time Has Come for Britain to Recognize Somaliland’
London (Horn Post) – A large demonstration was held in London on Tuesday as members of the Somaliland diaspora called on the United Kingdom to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland.
The protest took place outside the UK Prime Minister’s Office and was attended by British Members of Parliament who support Somaliland’s quest for recognition, as well as the leader of the Reform UK party, Nigel Farage. Demonstrators urged Britain to become the second country, after Israel, to officially recognize Somaliland.
Speaking at the rally, Reform UK leader Nigel Farage expressed strong support for Somaliland’s cause, praising the diaspora’s peaceful advocacy and growing influence in British politics.
“For a few decades, only a small number of people supported your cause and your right to statehood. The fact that you are here today, making your voice heard and behaving responsibly, shows that you are gaining public trust in this country. I may have been among the first to speak up for you, but there are now many more in Parliament listening. I am with you all the way. Keep campaigning. Keep fighting,” Farage said.
British MP Gavin Williamson also addressed the demonstration, calling on the UK government to take immediate action and recognize Somaliland.
“Today we stand here witnessing something that many people said would never happen — Somaliland being recognized by another country,” Williamson said.
He added that the time for waiting had passed:
“What has happened, and what happens next? Much more must happen next. For far too long we have waited for Great Britain to recognize Somaliland. For far too long we waited patiently for the Prime Minister to act. Today is the day that must change, because we cannot continue to wait.”
Williamson described Somaliland as a democratic and free society, while sharply criticizing Somalia:
“Somaliland is a country of freedom, democracy, and equality. Somalia is a state plagued by terrorism, causing grief, pain, and destruction. Now is the time for the British government to open its eyes.”
“Now is the time for the British government to stand with the people of Somaliland and against everything that is wrong in Somalia. I have stood by you for many years, and I will continue to do so, because it is right and it is just. We will prevail, because justice is on our side,” he added.
Meanwhile, Dr. Abdirahman, a member of the Somaliland community in the UK, told the rally that many Muslim-majority countries maintain diplomatic relations with Israel, arguing that Somaliland should not be treated differently.
“Israel operates on the principle of economic and national interest. Does Israel deal with Egypt? With Turkey? With Bangladesh? With India? Yes, it does. Every country deals with Israel. So why not Somaliland?” he asked.
He said Somaliland has been unfairly marginalized internationally:
“Somaliland has been pushed against a wall. A few weeks ago, we could not repatriate our deceased brothers and sisters who died here to bury them at home with dignity. We were asked for e-visas. Our airspace was hijacked. Our seas were hijacked. Our identity was hijacked. Our history was hijacked. Is that fair?”
Dr. Abdirahman concluded with a message of resilience to Somalilanders worldwide:
“My fellow Somalilanders, keep shining wherever you are. Do not lose hope.”
The London demonstration highlighted growing political support for Somaliland within the UK and increased pressure on the British government to reconsider its long-standing position on Somaliland’s status.
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Prepared:
Horn post staff Reporter
