Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state has thrust the territory in Somalia’s north into the center of a geopolitical contest, centered on the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland, which broke from Somalia in 1991, has built relatively functioning democratic institutions and security forces, contrasting sharply with Somalia’s chronic instability and aid dependence. Somaliland, in contrast to the rest of Somalia, was colonized by the British rather than the Italians.
Somalia condemned the move as a violation of its sovereignty, along with most African states, which warned it could destabilize a region already strained by conflict and shipping disruptions in the Red Sea. Taiwan, in contrast, welcomed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Somaliland is seen as a rare Taiwanese ally on the continent, and Taiwan opened reciprocal representative offices with Somaliland in 2020.
US President Donald Trump, in response to Israel’s decision, has said the US will not recognize Somaliland’s independence.
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