What does the Israeli recognition of Somaliland mean?
On December 26th, Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state. In an unprecedented move that countered both Iranian and Turkish interests in the region. But what is Somaliland? Why is Israel the only country that recognizes them (so far)? And most importantly, why should you even care? All of those are great questions, which I am about to answer!
- Somaliland
In 1991, Somaliland declared independence from Somalia after the overthrow of the Somali dictator Siad Barre. In the decades since, Somalia has been going from crisis to crisis. Today, Somalia is a failed state, with much of its territory controlled by a terrorist group known as Al-Shabaab, an Al-Qaeda-affiliated terrorist organization.
By contrast, Somaliland emerged as a functioning democracy. Although they were not internationally recognized, they created their own political system, police force, and even their own currency. While Somalia continues to suffer from terrorist attacks and chronic instability, Somaliland has remained largely peaceful and secure.
- Why did Israel recognize them?
The decision to recognize Somaliland was naturally followed by criticism from certain regional players. Turkey, which has invested so much in its strategic partnership with Somalia, is one of those that were bound to protest. Similarly, it would be the Houthis to lose the most in case of a realignment of forces in the region around the Red Sea. Somalia also didn’t agree with Israel, calling the decision “an attack on their sovereignty”. Somalia’s objections, though, were largely ignored on the international stage.
However, there are times when silence speaks louder than words. Key actors like the UAE and the US kept quiet about this issue and kept their criticisms to themselves. In diplomacy silence is rarely accidental. Furthermore, there is a possibility for the wider recognition of Somaliland in the international community as well.
Regardless, there is no doubt that Israel, Somaliland, and the entire world have a lot to gain from this deal. Israel will gain an incredibly well-positioned ally in a crucial region. Somaliland is located on the opposite side of the Red Sea from the Houthis in Yemen.
With potential Israeli troops in Somaliland, Israel would be better positioned to counter the terrorist organization. This could limit the Houthis’ ability to target ships in the Red Sea, which they have been doing since October 7, 2023, driving up global prices in the process.
- The aftermath
Once again the country that has shown willingness to do what others are not willing to do is Israel—it has shown willingness to confront a terrorist organization as well as to reward stability where it exists. Somaliland on the other hand, will benefit from a serious international partner, and as for the Houthis, they are under increasing pressure with regards to their ability to project power beyond Yemen.
This will have ramifications that extend far beyond the region. A secure Red Sea equates to reduced shipping costs, fewer incidents of disrupted supplies, and fewer cases of human misery. In a world that all too often seems mired in indecision, guaranteed stability, as well as fighting terrorism, is not simply beneficial for Israel but for the world at large.
