Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has alleged that the breakaway region of Somaliland agreed to allow an Israeli military presence and accept displaced Palestinians in exchange for diplomatic recognition by Israel. However, Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry has rejected these claims, describing them as “baseless” and intended to undermine Somaliland’s diplomatic progress.
The controversy follows Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state, making it the first country to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but its status has not been recognized by any country until now. The recognition has significant implications, with Somalia viewing it as an “illegitimate action” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
According to President Mohamud, Israel’s recognition is not merely a diplomatic gesture, but rather a strategic move to advance its own interests. He claims that Israel aims to establish a military base on Somaliland’s coast, resettle Palestinians, and have Somaliland join the Abraham Accords, a series of agreements between Israel and Arab states.
Somaliland has denied these allegations, emphasizing that its diplomatic efforts are focused on securing international recognition and cooperation. The region has built its own government institutions, security forces, and currency since declaring independence, and its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has made securing international recognition a top priority.
The recognition has drawn sharp reactions across the region, with warnings from Yemen’s Houthi rebels and condemnation from African governments. The move is seen as potentially undermining regional stability, and Somalia has warned that it could exacerbate political and security tensions.
The development comes as Israel’s coalition government has reportedly advocated for the annexation of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, and encouraged Palestinians to leave their homeland. A ceasefire was agreed between Israel and Hamas in October, following over two years of military conflict in the Palestinian enclave.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The move has significant implications for regional stability and the future of Somaliland, and its impact will likely be closely watched by governments and observers around the world.
