Context:

• Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent nation.

Key Points:

• With this recognition, Israel is the first UN member state in the world to acknowledge the secessionist region.
• Joint Declaration Signed: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar signed the declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
• The announcement was made in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which includes plans for the appointment of ambassadors and opening of embassies.
• This event marks a significant shift in the geopolitics of Africa’s Horn region and the Middle East.

Background on Somaliland:

• Somaliland is the northwestern region of Somalia, which seceded during Somalia’s civil war in 1991.
• It was a former British Protectorate and became independent for five days in 1960, during which 35 countries including Israel recognized it.
• Since 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own currency, passport, police, and government, and the region has been relatively peaceful and stable compared to Somalia.
• However, until now, no UN member state had formally recognized it.
• Strategically, it is located near the Gulf of Aden, which is important for access to the Red Sea and the Indian Ocean.

Reasons Behind Israel’s Move:

• Strategic Advantage: Somaliland is close to Yemen, where Israel has conducted airstrikes against Houthi rebels (Iran-backed). The region could provide Israel with surveillance, intelligence, and potential military bases against the Houthis.
• Expansion of the Abraham Accords: Initiated by the Trump administration in 2020, these accords normalized Israel’s relations with several Muslim countries (UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, etc.). By recognizing Somaliland (a Sunni Muslim-majority region), Israel is enhancing its influence in the Muslim world.
• Economic Cooperation: Israel has promised immediate collaboration in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and economy.
• Historical Relations: Israel had recognized Somaliland in 1960, and in recent years, Mossad developed covert ties with the region.
• Controversial Reports: Some reports suggest discussions about resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland, but this remains contentious.