This weekend, mass protests took place in the Somali region of Somaliland, triggered by Israel's decision to recognize this territory as a sovereign state. Dozens of people took to the streets to express their support for the Palestinians and condemn the statement.
Videos emerged on social media showing demonstrations in Borama, a city located about 50 kilometers west of Hargeisa. Protesters chanted anti-Israel slogans and waved Palestinian flags, receiving support from onlookers.
Among the shouts, calls for the freedom of Palestine and slogans condemning separatism could be heard. These actions were a response to the recent decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. The Somali government sharply condemned Israel's decision, calling it a violation of international law and reaffirming that the northern region remains part of the country. Protests also spread to the capital, Mogadishu, where participants advocated for national unity and condemned the recognition.
Various international organizations and states stated that such unilateral actions could undermine international norms and create a dangerous precedent. China, in particular, condemned this decision, emphasizing that no country should support separatist movements in other states.
On Friday, Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent republic, more than 30 years after the region declared its independence from Somalia. The President of Somaliland described this as a "historic moment," while Somalia called Israel's actions an infringement on its sovereignty.
Some countries and organizations, such as Turkey and Saudi Arabia, also expressed condemnation regarding Israel's unexpected statement.
Why does Somaliland seek independence?
Somaliland, having separated from the rest of the country, declared its independence after the overthrow of military dictator Siad Barre in 1991.
This decision was the result of a long struggle against the persecution of rebels by Barre's forces, during which tens of thousands of people died and cities were destroyed.
Despite the lack of international recognition, Somaliland has a functioning political system, state institutions, police, and its own currency.
Historically, this region was under British protectorate in the 19th century and became part of the Somali Republic after uniting with Italian Somaliland in 1960.
Supporters of independence argue that the population of the region, primarily consisting of the Isaaq clan, distinguishes it from the rest of Somalia in terms of ethnic composition.
Somaliland, home to about six million people, is characterized by relative peace and stability, while Somalia faces prolonged conflicts and threats from Islamists.
The Somali government continues to insist that Somaliland is an integral part of its territory and that any recognition of its independence violates Somalia's sovereignty.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud characterized Israel's statement as a "threat" to the unity of the country.
Reasons for Israel's recognition of Somaliland
In a phone conversation with the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that his country recognizes Somaliland's right to self-determination.
Netanyahu also noted that this recognition will open new opportunities for expanding cooperation between the two countries.
However, experts believe that there are strategic interests behind this decision.
According to an Israeli analytical center, Israel needs allies in the Red Sea region for various reasons, including potential threats from the Houthis in Yemen.
Somaliland is seen as a suitable partner that can provide Israel with access to strategic areas near conflicts.
Since the onset of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, Israel has repeatedly struck targets in Yemen in response to attacks by the Houthis, who claimed to support the Palestinians.
The Houthis, in turn, warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military target.
Several months ago, it was reported that Israel was discussing with Somaliland the possibility of resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza, but Somaliland stated that this was unrelated to the issue of independence.
The President of Somalia emphasized in parliament that no forced eviction of the Palestinian people would be allowed.
Cameron Hudson, an American analyst, noted that Israel seeks to counter Iranian influence in the Red Sea region.
He added that the Red Sea is an important route for the transfer of weapons and militants, and security in this region is critically important for Israel.
Israel has faced strong criticism from countries such as Egypt, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia, as well as the African Union and others, which stated that it violates Somalia's territorial integrity.
The African Union expressed concerns that recognizing Somaliland could trigger a chain reaction, encouraging demands from other separatist movements.
Regional expert Abdurahman Said noted that this creates a risk of instability due to the formation of external alliances of regions without the consent of central governments.
While some countries express support for Somaliland, their silence on the issue casts a shadow over the situation; for example, the UAE, which manages a military port in Somaliland, has made no statements.
Moreover, Ethiopia, which previously leased part of Somaliland's coastline, also refrained from commenting despite Somalia's discontent.
Turkey has acted as a mediator between Somalia and Ethiopia, leading to an agreement on territorial integrity.
Despite the hopes of Somaliland residents for recognition from the United States, in response to Israel's statement, Donald Trump stated that he is not ready to follow Netanyahu's example.
"Does anyone even know what Somaliland is?" he said in an interview.
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