Israel Recognises Somaliland as Independent Republic Amid Global Backlash
Israel has become the first country to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent republic. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, is not internationally recognised but operates with its own institutions, police, and currency, serving a population of about six million people.
The move has been strongly condemned by Somalia's central government, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud describing the recognition as an existential threat to Somalia's sovereignty. The decision also drew widespread criticism from multiple states and organisations including Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the African Union, Yemen, Sudan, Nigeria, Libya, Iran, Iraq, and Qatar. The African Union warned that this recognition could set a destabilising precedent.
China criticised the recognition ahead of a United Nations Security Council emergency session, with Chinese official Lin Jian stating that no country should support internal separatist forces for selfish interests.
Analysts suggest Israel's recognition of Somaliland is partly motivated by strategic aims to counter Iran's influence in the Red Sea, potentially establishing a security and intelligence presence near a conflict zone. The United Arab Emirates has largely remained silent on the matter, while Ethiopia has taken a cautious stance. Turkey, which has previously mediated between Somalia and Ethiopia over related territorial issues, is also involved in the regional dynamics.
Reports emerged that Israel might seek to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland. Somaliland clarified that any such resettlement would not be related to Palestine, a notion strongly opposed by Somalia. Former U.S. President Donald Trump indicated he would not immediately follow Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's lead in recognising Somaliland.
