During Christmas, there have been large protests in Somalia.
In the breakaway region of Somaliland, they celebrated. In the rest of the country, peopel have been furious.
Israel Recognizes Somaliland, a Region Seeking Independence
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The reason is israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement to Somaliland’s president:
– I am now signing, as we speak, Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right to self-determination, Netanyahu said on the phone to Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Friday.
No other country has recognized Somaliland.
The photo on the left shows a large crowd celebrating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. On the right are protesters reacting to the recognition.
FARHAN ALELI / AFP / NTB and Feisal omar / Reuters / NTB
Somaliland Denies Claims of Agreement with Israel Regarding Gaza Refugees
There is speculation in Israel regarding two possible reasons for recent discussions with Somaliland: the conflict with the Iran-allied Houthis in Yemen, and Somaliland potentially serving as a “receiving country” for refugees from Gaza.
Both explanations have been firmly rejected by Somaliland, who state on X (formerly Twitter) that these “baseless claims aim to mislead the international community and undermine Somaliland’s diplomatic process.” Somalia has also voiced similar rejections.
Historian gadi Algazi notes that civilian suffering continues in Gaza despite the October ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.He previously suggested to NRK that the challenging humanitarian conditions may be a deliberate tactic by Israel to pressure Palestinians to flee Gaza, describing the situation as “very unstable.”
Israel’s Recognition of somaliland Sparks Controversy Amid Gaza Conflict
Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, has ignited debate, with concerns raised about its potential connection to the ongoing conflict in Gaza and a broader strategic power struggle in the Horn of Africa.
The move was met with festivity in Somaliland, as evidenced by large gatherings in the capital, Hargeisa, on December 26th. However, it has drawn criticism from the Arab League, who fear the recognition could facilitate the forced displacement of Palestinians or the establishment of Israeli military bases in Somali ports.
According to the Arab League’s UN ambassador, Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, any such measure would be rejected.
Beyond the immediate implications for Palestinians, the recognition is viewed within the context of regional geopolitics. Somaliland’s location in the Horn of Africa is strategically critically important, particularly in relation to Yemen.Western Yemen is currently controlled by the Houthi rebels, allies of Iran and supporters of Hamas – groups considered arch-enemies by Israel.
The Houthis have launched rocket attacks against Israel and disrupted international shipping in the Red Sea during the Gaza war. Some analysts believe Israel’s move to recognize Somaliland is a countermeasure to Iran’s growing influence in the region.
Meanwhile, concerns remain about Israel’s actions within the Palestinian territories. Researcher Einar Algazi points to signs suggesting Israel intends to make the “yellow line” – a temporary border established under Trump’s peace plan – a permanent fixture, effectively creating a large buffer zone and restricting Palestinian access to half of the Gaza Strip.
Algazi also highlights the continued expulsion of Palestinians from the West Bank through territorial control and settlement expansion. Israel maintains it complies with international law in its military operations in Gaza.
Israel Recognizes Somaliland, Sparking outcry
Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, prompting strong reactions from Somalia and turkey. The move, announced on Tuesday, marks a significant shift in Israel’s foreign policy in the region.
Somalia views the recognition as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Somali government has condemned the decision, stating it has no legal basis.Demonstrations have erupted in Somalia in response to the announcement, with protestors expressing anger and frustration.
Turkish President Tayyip Recep erdogan agrees:
- Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland is illegal and unacceptable, he said at a joint press conference with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday.
Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Turkey’s statsminister Tayyip Recep Erdogan.
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