Somaliland, a former British protectorate, has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991, following the collapse of Somalia into civil war. Despite maintaining relative stability and its own governing institutions, it has never been formally recognised by any UN member state. Somalia, however, continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its sovereign territory.
Israel’s decision last week to formally recognise Somaliland marks a diplomatic first and comes amid heightened tensions over the Gaza war, regional security in the Red Sea, and broader debates at the United Nations over state recognition and self-determination.
What Happened
Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, prompting sharp reactions at the UN Security Council. Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Miller defended the move, insisting it was not hostile toward Somalia and did not preclude dialogue between the two sides.
Several UN members, including Pakistan, Somalia and the Arab League, questioned Israel’s motives. They warned that the recognition could be linked to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza or to establish Israeli military bases in northern Somali ports. Israel did not directly address these allegations during the council meeting, and its UN mission declined to comment further.
Why It Matters
The move adds a new geopolitical layer to the Gaza conflict and Red Sea security dynamics. Somaliland’s strategic location near key maritime routes gives Israel a potential partner against Yemen’s Houthis, whose attacks on shipping during the Gaza war have disrupted global trade.
At the same time, recognition raises sensitive legal and political questions at the UN. Critics argue that recognising Somaliland violates Somalia’s territorial integrity and contradicts the UN Charter, while Israel and its supporters frame the decision as pragmatic diplomacy rather than defiance of international norms.
Israel: Seeking new strategic partnerships and regional leverage, particularly in countering Houthi threats and expanding diplomatic influence in Africa.
Somaliland: Hoping Israeli recognition will pave the way for broader international acceptance and increased access to trade, investment and development cooperation.
Somalia: Strongly opposes the move, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty and a dangerous precedent.
Arab League & Pakistan: Raising alarms over potential Palestinian displacement and military expansion under the guise of diplomatic recognition.
United States: Defended Israel at the UN, criticising what it described as double standards within the Security Council.
European States: Highlighting legal inconsistencies between recognising Somaliland and supporting Palestinian statehood.
Somaliland vs Palestinian State Debate
The issue quickly became entangled with broader disputes over Palestinian recognition. U.S. officials accused the council of double standards, while Slovenia and other states countered that Palestine is an occupied territory with observer-state status at the UN, unlike Somaliland, which is legally part of an existing UN member state.
This contrast sharpened divisions over how international law, self-determination and recognition are applied in practice.
What’s Next
Israel has said it plans to pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and economic development. Whether other countries follow Israel’s lead remains uncertain, given strong opposition from Somalia, the Arab League and several UN members.
Diplomatically, the move is likely to increase scrutiny of Israel’s intentions regarding Gaza and fuel further debate at the UN over selective recognition, territorial integrity and the future of Palestinians. Regionally, it could reshape alliances in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor, an area of growing strategic competition.
With information from Reuters.
