In a move that has sparked widespread condemnation, Israel has become the first country in the world to officially recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland as an independent nation. This historic decision, made on Friday, has reignited the long-standing dispute over Somaliland’s status, with Somalia furiously rejecting the move as an attack on its sovereignty.
Somaliland’s president hailed the development as a “historic moment,” but the decision has drawn criticism from a host of countries and organizations, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the African Union, and China. The latter’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Lin Jian, warned that “no country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests.”
The United States, however, has defended Israel’s decision, with its deputy ambassador to the UN, Tammy Bruce, arguing that the response contrasts with the unilateral recognition of a “non-existent Palestinian state” earlier this year, which the US strongly opposed.
Israel’s deputy ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, asserted that the move is not a “hostile step toward Somalia” and does not preclude future dialogue between the parties. He described the recognition as an “opportunity” rather than an act of defiance.
Somaliland, a semi-desert territory on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, declared independence in 1991 after the overthrow of Somali military dictator Siad Barre. Though not internationally recognized, the region has a working political system, government institutions, and its own currency. Proponents argue that Somaliland, predominantly populated by the Isaaq clan, should not be shackled to the instability of Somalia, which has long been plagued by Islamist militant attacks.
However, Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory, and Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has characterized Israel’s declaration as an “existential threat” to his country’s unity.
Analysts suggest that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is driven by strategic interests in the Red Sea region, including the possibility of countering Iran’s influence and securing access to an operational area close to the conflict zone in Yemen. The Houthis have warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a “military target” for their forces.
The move has been widely condemned by countries in the region, with many citing Somalia’s “territorial integrity.” The African Union has expressed concerns that recognizing Somaliland could set off a chain reaction, where separatists could demand recognition for the territories they claim, potentially leading to widespread instability.
As the international community grapples with the implications of Israel’s decision, the future of Somaliland’s independence remains uncertain, with allies and sympathetic countries largely remaining silent on the issue. The United States, the European Union, and the UK have also refused to recognize Somaliland’s independence, citing their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
