DZWatch Exclusive: Israel’s recent formal recognition of Somaliland has ignited a firestorm of speculation and analysis across social media platforms. The move, announced last Friday, has prompted intense scrutiny regarding Tel Aviv’s underlying motives and its potential implications for the Horn of Africa, particularly in the context of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategic agenda.
Online discussions have revolved around the question: “Why is Israel recognizing Somaliland as an independent state?” Commentators have provided historical context, noting that northern Somalia was formerly under British colonial rule, while the south was governed by Italy. In the 1960s, both regions gained independence and united to form the Somali Republic.
However, years of internal disputes over power, appointments, and resource allocation led to rebellions, crises, and civil conflicts, giving rise to a secessionist movement in the north, seeking independence for Somaliland. While this movement has gained control over the region, it has yet to receive widespread international recognition, with the Somali government continuing to reject its claim to independence.
Several observers have pointed out that some Arab and Islamic nations have condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. They argue that this action is likely connected to a series of events, including the support of a specific Arab nation with close ties to Israel for the secessionist movement. This support, they claim, is clearly coordinated with an African nation seeking access to the Red Sea.
These arrangements, some argue, cannot be understood in isolation from the situations in southern Yemen, the Darfur region, or the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) dispute. These situations, they contend, converge on a single strategic objective: to redraw the map of influence in the Red Sea and establish a geostrategic encirclement that threatens Arab national security.
Commentators suggest that Israel is seeking a foothold on the Red Sea, and its recognition of Somaliland, along with reciprocal recognition, serves to solidify its presence in a strategically important region. Others warn that Israel’s ambitions will not be confined to Gaza, but will extend to other Arab countries.
