Somaliland Institute Of Diplomacy And International Affairs

THE RATIONALE BEHIND THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SOMALILAND INSTITUTE OF DIPLOMACY AND INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS (SIDIA) AND STRATEGIC IMMEDIATE ACTION PLAN FOR SPEEDY AND FULL IMPLEMENTATION IN LINE WITH SOMALILAND’S GLOBAL RECOGNITION ASPIRATIONS

I. INTRODUCTION

The establishment of the Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (SIDIA) represents a groundbreaking initiative that aims to elevate Somaliland’s diplomatic, geopolitical, and strategic capacities. As a premier center of excellence, SIDIA will provide specialized training, research, and policy development to strengthen Somaliland’s international engagements and recognition efforts.

Given the evolving global and African geopolitical landscape, the urgency of securing all necessary resources for SIDIA’s swift and full operationalization cannot be overstated. The Republic of Somaliland stands at a historic crossroads, where structured diplomacy and strategic foreign policy initiatives will play a pivotal role in advancing its international recognition at the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).

To achieve this, SIDIA must be fully resourced and functional before December 2025, marking a critical milestone for the first anniversary of the newly elected administration following the November 2024 presidential elections. SIDIA’s establishment is not just an academic endeavor but a strategic national imperative in Somaliland’s diplomatic trajectory and sovereignty reinforcement.

II. STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES OF SIDIA

1. Strengthening Somaliland’s Diplomatic Capacity

SIDIA will serve as the official training ground for diplomats, foreign affairs officials, and international relations experts to ensure Somaliland engages effectively in global and regional affairs.

2. Enhancing Foreign Policy Formulation and Execution

SIDIA will provide a policy-driven approach to diplomacy, ensuring cost-effective, evidence-based, and result-oriented foreign engagements, aligned with national interests.

3. Safeguarding Somaliland’s Sovereignty and Economic Security

With increasing global economic competition and regional political complexities, SIDIA will develop strategies to protect Somaliland’s sovereignty and economic stability through well-crafted diplomatic initiatives.

4. Accelerating International Recognition Efforts

SIDIA will support Somaliland’s diplomatic mission to secure AU and UN recognition by equipping diplomats with specialized negotiation skills, geopolitical analysis, and alliance-building strategies.

5. Establishing Somaliland as a Key Regional and Continental Player

By fostering regional and global partnerships, SIDIA will ensure Somaliland is well-integrated into African, Middle Eastern, and global diplomatic networks, further solidifying its position as an influential state.

III. IMMEDIATE STRATEGIC ACTION PLAN (2024-2025)

Phase 1: Institutional Framework and Legal Foundation (Q1 2024 - Q2 2024)

- Government and Legislative Endorsement:

Obtain full ministerial approval and parliamentary endorsement for SIDIA’s legal establishment.

-Strategic Partnerships:

Engage with regional and international diplomatic academies, AU-affiliated institutions, and UN agencies.

- Resource Mobilization:

Secure funding for infrastructure, faculty recruitment, and research programs.

Phase 2: Curriculum Development and Capacity Building (Q3 2024 - Q4 2024)

Academic Program Design:

Develop tailored programs in diplomatic studies, conflict resolution, economic diplomacy, and international law.

- Faculty Recruitment:

Appoint seasoned diplomats, policy experts, and international affairs scholars to lead training programs.

- Scholarships & Fellowships:

Establish funding mechanisms for diplomatic training fellowships targeting young professionals.

Phase 3: Operationalization and Regional Integration (Q1 2025 - Q2 2025)

- Pilot Training Programs:

Launch certified diplomatic training for government officials and aspiring diplomats.

- Public Diplomacy & Policy Think Tank:

Establish a center for strategic research to produce publications and analysis on Somaliland’s foreign policy.

- Global Engagement Initiative:

Organize Somaliland’s First International Diplomatic Forum, inviting AU and UN stakeholders.

Phase 4: National Milestone Achievement (Q3 2025 - December 2025)

- Official Inauguration:

Commemorate SIDIA’s successful establishment as a key diplomatic milestone for the new administration.

- First Diplomatic Graduation Ceremony:

Certify the first cohort of SIDIA-trained diplomats, reinforcing Somaliland’s diplomatic corps.

- Evaluation & Future Expansion Roadmap:

Assess progress and outline a five-year expansion strategy, including plans for SIDIA’s international accreditation.

IV. URGENT NEED TO SECURE RESOURCES FOR SPEEDY IMPLEMENTATION

To ensure the full and timely operationalization of SIDIA by December 2025, securing critical financial, technical, and institutional resources must be a national priority. The following key areas demand immediate and strategic action:

1. Financial Resources and Institutional Support

- Government Budget Allocation:

The Republic of Somaliland must allocate a special budget within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for SIDIA’s development.

- Strategic Donor Engagement:

Actively seek funding partnerships from AU, UN, European Union (EU), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and African Development Bank (AfDB) to support infrastructure and operational costs.

- Private Sector and Philanthropic Contributions:

Engage Somaliland’s business community, diaspora networks, and international foundations to co-finance SIDIA’s growth.

2. Diplomatic Alliances and AU/UN Recognition Advocacy

- AU Recognition Diplomacy:

SIDIA must serve as the academic and diplomatic think tank for Somaliland’s AU recognition campaign, producing policy briefs, research papers, and diplomatic white papers.

- Engagement with UN Missions:

Organize SIDIA-led diplomatic visits to key UN member states to advance Somaliland’s case for full international recognition.

- Regional Integration Initiatives:

Ensure Somaliland’s active participation in regional bodies, such as IGAD and COMESA, leveraging SIDIA-trained diplomats to champion its foreign policy agenda.

3. Human Capital and Expertise Development

- Recruitment of Elite Diplomats & Policy Experts:

Attract renowned foreign affairs strategists, international legal experts, and geopolitical analysts to train SIDIA’s first cohorts.

- Exchange Programs with Global Diplomatic Institutes:

Forge academic partnerships with Harvard Kennedy School, Geneva Graduate Institute, and African Leadership Academy to expose Somaliland diplomats to international best practices.

4. Infrastructure and Technological Advancements

- SIDIA Headquarters Development:

Construct a state-of-the-art diplomatic training and research facility within the University of Hargeisa.

- Digital Learning and E-Diplomacy Center:

Establish an online diplomacy training platform to extend SIDIA’s reach to the broader Somaliland diplomatic community and diaspora.

V. CONCLUSION

The establishment of the Somaliland Institute of Diplomacy and International Affairs (SIDIA) is not just an academic milestone but a critical national priority that will define Somaliland’s diplomatic future and international legitimacy.

With the global recognition of Somaliland at stake, SIDIA must be resourced, operationalized, and strategically positioned to advance the nation’s foreign policy goals.

By ensuring full implementation by December 2025, SIDIA will symbolize Somaliland’s commitment to professional diplomacy, national sovereignty, and global engagement, paving the way for international recognition, economic partnerships, and geopolitical influence.

Looking Ahead: Call to Action

The time for action is now. The leadership of Somaliland, its diplomatic corps, the business community, and international partners must unite in accelerating SIDIA’s full operationalization.

This is a defining moment for Somaliland, and SIDIA must stand as a beacon of its unwavering pursuit of recognition, prosperity, and global legitimacy.

AGIC GLOBAL FOUNDATION STAND WITH THE REPUBLIC OF SOMALILAND FOR A ROBUST STRATEGIC FOREIGN POLICY WITHIN THE HORN OF AFRICA GEOPOLITICAL STANCE....A CONTRIBUTORY WORKING DOCUMENT AUTHORED BY HIS EXCELLENCY HAJJ DR. ALHUSSEIN E.O. BANAO, FOUNDER/EXECUTIVE PRESIDENT AND SENIOR DEPUTY FOREIGN MINISTER OF SAN BERNARDINO PRINCIPALITY.