Somaliland is a self-declared and, now, semi-recognized independent state in northern Somalia. The area lies west of the state of Djibouti and south of the Gulf of Aden. Djibouti is militarily significant, while the Gulf of Aden has trade and economic implications. Historically, Western powers, particularly Britain, France, and Italy, have controlled Somalia and Somaliland. Somaliland originated from the 1980 Somalia Civil War and claimed independence in 1991, according to Britannica. Western imperialism and land division, driven by economics and white supremacy, led to ethnic and territorial conflicts within Somalia. Now, the controversial recognition of Somaliland by Israel and its support by the United States continues the tradition of unnecessary and harmful Western intervention. 

After more than thirty years, Somaliland gained formal recognition from Israel. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated, “This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump…The State of Israel plans to immediately expand its relations with the Republic of Somaliland through extensive cooperation in the fields of agriculture, health, technology, and economy.” The Times of Israel shows a picture of the declaration, which reads: 

“The State of Israel acknowledges the formal appeal conveyed by His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Somaliland, to the Prime Minister of Israel, requesting recognition. In response to this appeal and in light of the shared values, strategic interests, and the spirit of mutual respect that binds our peoples, the State of Israel officially recognizes the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent state…This relationship will contribute to advancing peace, stability, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East, and beyond.”

The recognition and declaration are at the same time explicit in their intention and contradictory. They clearly state Israel is recognizing Somaliland as an independent state because of their mutual interests. However, how accurate are the mutual interests: peace, stability, and prosperity? While they might be goals that each state wants to achieve, as all states do, Somaliland does not represent them. According to The Conversation, in 2023, Somaliland experienced rampant political conflict with almost one hundred individuals killed. Furthermore, there is tension between Somaliland and neighboring Puntland (the western part of Somalia), as well as between Somalia and Somaliland. These challenges mean Somaliland is neither stable nor peaceful. The declarations’ focus on prosperity is true. However, it is for the prosperity of Israel, not both states.

As stated in the Times of Israel, Israel’s relationship with Somaliland is strategic. The two states began developing relations as Israel began searching for states willing to take displaced Gazans. The article also highlights the strategic military placement, given Somaliland’s proximity to Yemen.

The reaction to the recognition of Somaliland has been staunchly negative. Somalia and its allies, as well as the Arab League and the African Union, have publicly denounced the recognition. The United States has backed Israel’s recognition, reasoning that “[Somaliland] has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign State,” according to the United Nations.

The consequences that will arise from this unauthorized recognition of Somaliland are apparent. Foreign relations will likely become even more fragile in the region. Israel’s PM Netanyahu states that the recognition of Somaliland is in tradition with the Abraham Accords. However, every state that participated in the Accords has criticized the recognition, in addition to likely future participants, such as Saudi Arabia, who also criticized the recognition. Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is for self-benefit, not the benefit of the region.