Categories: World News

Why has Israel recognised the breakaway African state as independent?

Israel becomes the first country to recognize Somaliland independence, igniting global condemnation and debate over regional security and sovereignty.
Israel, Somaliland, Somaliland independence, breakaway state, international recognition, Africa, Red Sea, Horn of Africa, China, controversy, regional politics

Israel Recognizes Somaliland Independence: Global Reactions and Implications

Israel Recognizes Somaliland Independence: Worldwide Condemnation and Analysis

By Wedaeli Chibelushi, Ameyu Etana (BBC Afaan Oromoo), Farah Lamane (BBC Somali)

Residents of Somaliland’s capital city, Hargeisa, have been celebrating Israel’s declaration. (AFP via Getty Images)

The recent decision by Israel to recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland independence as an official nation has sparked outrage and condemnation from governments and organizations around the world. Israel’s move marks the first time any country has officially acknowledged Somaliland, more than three decades after the region declared independence from Somalia.

International Backlash to Israel’s Decision

China has been the latest major power to condemn the move, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian insisting, “No country should encourage or support other countries’ internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests.” Ahead of a United Nations Security Council emergency session to discuss the issue, China outlined its rejection of any action that would promote separatism.

The Somali government strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, decrying it as an infringement upon Somalia’s sovereignty. Other actors, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union, quickly joined in condemnation, emphasizing the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity.

The worldwide furor points to deep concerns about the implications for international law and the potential domino effect on other separatist regions. For more on the historical context, see our article on Somaliland’s ongoing quest for recognition.

Why Does Somaliland Want Independence?

Located along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland split from Somalia in 1991 after the ousting of dictator Siad Barre. Somalilanders endured a brutal conflict in which tens of thousands died and whole towns were destroyed.

Despite its lack of international recognition, Somaliland has built up stable governance. It operates its own political and legal structures, boasts a police force, and uses its own currency. Some supporters of independence also point to the region’s relative stability compared to the rest of Somalia, which continues to endure years of conflict and Islamist militant attacks.

Somaliland’s identity stems partly from being a former British protectorate until unification with Italian Somaliland in 1960. Ethnic and clan dynamics, including the dominance of the Isaaq clan, further distinguish Somaliland from southern Somalia.

Nevertheless, the Somali government and many in Mogadishu regard Somaliland as an inseparable part of Somalia, vowing not to accept its unilateral secession.

Why Did Israel Recognize Somaliland Independence?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a phone call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, announced his government was acknowledging Somaliland’s “right of self-determination” and looking to expand partnership opportunities.

Analysts suggest the decision is closely linked to Israel’s strategic interests in the Red Sea region, especially concerning conflict with Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen. In December 2023, the Israeli Institute for National Security Studies identified Somaliland as an “ideal candidate for cooperation,” potentially granting Israel operational access near conflict zones.

This new alliance has already prompted threats from the Houthis, who warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be seen as a military target. There have also been unconfirmed reports of Israel discussing the resettlement of Palestinians with Somaliland, though both sides have denied any connection between the recognition and the Palestinian issue.

US-based Africa analyst Cameron Hudson told the BBC that Israel’s move is also aimed at countering Iranian influence and securing vital maritime routes in the Red Sea, areas historically important for the movement of weapons and fighters.

For deeper geopolitical analysis, see this Council on Foreign Relations backgrounder on breakaway regions in Africa.

Widespread Condemnation of Israel’s Move

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland independence has been criticized by Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, Sudan, Libya, Nigeria, Iran, Iraq, Qatar, and the African Union. Many have cited the violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity and the dangerous precedent it sets.

There are fears that recognizing separatist regions, such as Somaliland, may embolden further secessionist demands elsewhere in Africa and beyond, increasing instability and challenging existing borders.

“Regions could attempt to establish external alliances without the consent of central governments, creating a dangerous precedent that risks widespread instability,” says Abdurahman Sayed, a UK-based analyst for the Horn of Africa.

Global Reactions: Any Support for Israel’s Declaration?

Countries with longstanding ties to Somaliland, such as the United Arab Emirates, have kept silent. The UAE operates a military port in Somaliland but issued no formal statement. Analysts highlight possible alignment between UAE and Israeli interests across the region.

Ethiopia, which last year signed a contentious coastal lease with Somaliland, has also abstained from commenting. Turkey has since intervened to mediate between Somalia and Ethiopia, emphasizing respect for Somalia’s sovereignty.

Hopes that the US might recognize Somaliland have so far not materialized. Donald Trump, queried about following Israel’s lead, responded with skepticism and indicated no swift change in US policy.