Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, ending decades of international hesitation and opening a new diplomatic flashpoint in the Horn of Africa. The move celebrated in Somaliland’s capital Hargeisa — but it immediately triggered strong backlash from Somalia and a wave of condemnations from regional powers.
What Somaliland wants – and why Somalia says “no”
After the overthrow of the Military Regime of Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991, Somaliland Declared Independence from Somalia, and have since that point operated autonomously as an independent state with its own government, security forces, electoral process, currency and Constitution. Proponents of Somaliland’s independence state that it deserves international recognition as they have achieved a degree of stability that has yet to be seen in the rest of Somalia where the Al-Shabab terror group continues to attack across the territory while the country fights to overcome the effects of political fragmentation.
Somalia in general has not endorsed the independence claims made by Somaliland since the establishment of Somaliland as an Independent nation and instead continues to assert that the territory continues to be a part of its Sovereign Land. The Government of Somalia views the decision of the State of Israel to offer diplomatic recognition to Somaliland as “an attack on national unity” and has vowed to respond with diplomatic and legal repercussion against the state of Israel. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamed of Somalia has stated that recognition of Somaliland could endanger the existence of Somalia itself by potentially encouraging other secessionist movements across the continent of Africa, which is a concern that has also been voiced by the African Union.
Somali Officials also argue that the granting of Independence to Somaliland would ultimately undermine the convergence of many years of mediatory and diplomatic effort aimed at the reunification of the territorial integrity of the Somali Republic.
Why Israel recognized Somaliland now
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that Israel’s recognition is based on the ‘right to self-determination’ of Somaliland and will allow for increased cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture, health, technology, and trade. Nevertheless, he also believes that there are also some strategic reasons for this recognition.
For example, the coastline of Somaliland is strategically located near the Bab-el-Mandeb (the strait that connects the Red Sea to trade routes around the world) and could ultimately create a strategic partnership for Israel to have direct access to Yemen, an area of high security risk because of the ongoing conflict. Yemen has a significant amount of arms supply provided by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels and is regularly targeting Israel-related interests.
Experts agree that Israel is attempting to find secure partners in the Red Sea region to limit the reach of Iran’s military presence and the ability to supply weapons to groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Additionally, some experts predict that the recognition of Somaliland is part of a strategy to strengthen alliances for Israel with countries other than its immediate neighbours.
Other sources have said in the past that Somaliland could be a refuge for Palestinians who have fled Gaza and are believed to be living in Somalia. However, both states rejected that idea vehemently. Critics of Israel in Mogadishu and Ramallah say that the recognition of Somaliland is tantamount to a long-term resettlement plan; Israel, however, has rejected those claims.
Why so many countries are angry
Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, China, Qatar, the African Union, Iran, Iraq, Libya, Sudan and Nigeria have all made statements that denounced Israel for its decision, but the statements focused on two themes:
- Sovereignty – The nations listed above argue that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland constitutes a violation of Somalia’s sovereign integrity.
- Precedent – If Israel formally recognizes Somaliland, other regions looking to separate will want to do the same; this could lead to widespread instability throughout both Africa and the Middle East, particularly among emerging and transitional states.
For example, the African Union has warned that a unilateral recognition could have a “domino effect” on many aspiring nation-states throughout the continent.
On the other hand, China—while agreeing with the other nations in opposing the Israel/Somaliland recognition—focused on how any state recognizing or supporting a separatist movement will produce a negative impact elsewhere; China related this point to its concerns regarding Taiwan, Tibet, and Xinjiang.
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Will other countries follow Israel’s lead?
Most States have thus far taken the “wait-and-see” approach. The UAE also operates a military port in Somalia and has been somewhat impartial, even though it has close ties to both Somaliland and Israel.
Ethiopia has remained neutral as well. Although it previously signed a landmark agreement with Somaliland that allowed for port access, it appears to support Somaliland but needs to manage its relationship with Somalia due to recent diplomatic difficulties.
US has ruled out recognizing Somaliland
The UK and EU maintain their support for Somalia’s unity and have reaffirmed their commitment to this idea.
At present, Israel is exclusively supporting Somaliland, but Somaliland believes that if they receive recognition from Israel, others will follow suit.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is more than symbolic. It redraws diplomatic lines in the Horn of Africa, reflects a wider contest with Iran, and challenges long-held international norms on secession. Whether it sparks new recognitions or deepens regional rifts will depend on how far world powers are willing to test Somalia’s territorial red lines — and how Somaliland leverages its historic moment on the global stage.
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