Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, becoming the first nation to do so since Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991. The announcement, made on October 27, 2023, by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has drawn significant criticism due to Israel’s ongoing refusal to recognize a Palestinian state.
During a video call with Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, the president of Somaliland, Netanyahu described this recognition as a move “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.” This agreement, brokered by former US President Donald Trump, aimed to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations, often sidelining the Palestinian issue.
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa and home to over 6 million people, has sought international legitimacy for years. In his statement, Abdullahi highlighted that Israel’s recognition represents a “milestone” in Somaliland’s quest for statehood, reaffirming its historical and legal entitlements.
Despite this, critics argue that Israel’s motives are primarily strategic rather than a genuine commitment to the self-determination of Somaliland’s people. A report from the Guardian cited an Israeli think tank that suggested the recognition could serve Israel’s military interests in the region, particularly as Somaliland could potentially act as a base for operations against Yemen’s Houthi movement.
The geopolitical implications of this recognition extend beyond Somaliland. Egypt and Turkey condemned Israel’s actions, asserting that it constitutes interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs. Following the announcement, foreign ministers from both nations, alongside representatives from Somalia and Djibouti, called for the unity of Somalia and criticized Israel’s attempts to undermine Palestinian rights.
Adil Haque, a professor at Rutgers Law School, pointed out on social media that this recognition may be linked to Netanyahu’s previous offers to Somaliland’s leadership, which allegedly included proposals for relocating Palestinians from Gaza. Reports indicated that Somaliland was among several countries approached by Israel for such arrangements, which some leaders, including Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, have vehemently rejected.
A senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously to Channel 12, acknowledged that Netanyahu’s recognition of Somaliland contradicts his assertions that a Palestinian state will not be established. The official noted that while Israel is the first country to grant recognition to Somaliland, most of the international community still views the region as an integral part of Somalia.
The situation continues to evolve as international observers closely monitor the ramifications of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and its implications for the longstanding Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the backdrop of increasing tensions and geopolitical maneuvering, the recognition highlights the complex dynamics at play in the region.