Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland on Friday — sparking international backlash and concern about stability in the Horn of Africa region. US President Donald Trump has also vetoed the possibility but insisted that he would “study” the matter. The breakaway territory has also evinced interest in joining the US-brokered Abraham Accords.
“Just say: ‘No, comma, not at this —’. Just say: ‘No.’ Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really? Everything is under study. We’ll study it. I study a lot of things and always make great decisions and they turn out to be correct,” Trump told the New York Post via phone.
What is Somaliland, really?
Somaliland is a breakaway region located in the northwestern part of Somalia that operates as a self-declared independent republic with its capital in Hargeisa. The region declared its independence after a civil war in 1991 and has its own government, currency and military. Mogadishu has vehemently criticised the autonomy of Somaliland, but currently lacks the military strength and internal stability required for forcible reintegration.
The region also maintains a significant informal international presence through economic deals and partnerships with various countries — including the UK, US and UAE. Somaliland also participates in global forums as an ‘observer’ and hosts representative offices from the EU, UK, and others countries in Hargeisa.
Why is Israel facing backlash?
Formal recognition of Somaliland challenges the territorial integrity Somalia and risks destabilising the Horn of Africa. Many countries fear that the move could also encourage secessions in other parts of the world and escalate regional tensions amid al-Shabaab threats and Ethiopia-Somalia disputes. Countries such as Egypt and Turkey also see extension of the Abraham Accords as a precursor to deals involving more Horn of Africa states and sidelining Arab interests.
The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemned the decision within hours of the Israeli announcement. Cairo said the top officials had affirmed their “total rejection and condemnation” of the situation and reiterated their “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.