Unlike the Pentagon, the American State Department is reluctant to soften its rhetoric towards Somaliland. It maintains its official position of leaving the recognition of Somaliland for the African Union to lead on, due to what it describes as being sensitivity over changes in colonial-era-borders, and opening Pandora's box in Africa.

But the State Department's view is neither historically evidenced nor represents the African Union's position. In a fact-finding mission report in 2005, the AU said that Somaliland is "historically unique and self-justified in African political history" and that the AU "should find special method of dealing with this outstanding case".

Therefore, recognizing Somaliland does not open Pandora's box, but brings Somaliland and Somalia to their respective original status at the time of the colonial departure, after the union they voluntarily formed in 1960 ceased to exist. 

 - Dr. Mohamed A. Omar, December 2007 -