Somalia

Why Somaliland works and the international system pretends it does not - opinion

Recognizing Somaliland would establish three principles the international order is not yet prepared to tolerate: performance matters, secession can stabilize, and colonial borders are not sacred.

This aerial view shows residents waving Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.
A LARGE ‘Free Palestine’ sign is seen at a soccer game in Istanbul, Turkey, in late 2025. It is hypocritical that countries supporting calls for Palestinian statehood often oppose recognition for Somaliland and Kurdistan, the writer says.

Statehood hypocrisy: Why it's no for Somaliland, Kurdistan, but yes for Palestine - opinion

An illustrative image of a Somaliland flag being held.

Israel's Somaliland recognition isn't a gamble, it's a necessity and others must join - opinion

THE KIND OF of strategic alliance that Israel is nurturing in Somaliland already emerged last year, when Somaliland signed a deal with Ethiopia, leasing to its landlocked neighbor a 20-km. coastal strip for a naval base.

Middle Israel: Sleeping with Somaliland is good, waltzing with it is bad - opinion


My Word: Recognition vs rejection of Somaliland - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland exposes global hypocrisy, rejecting a stable ally at a strategic chokepoint while rewarding terror and dysfunction elsewhere.

An illustrative image of a Somaliland flag being held.

Somaliland denies trading recognition with Israel for accepting Gazans

Last week, Israel became the first country to recognize the independence of Somaliland, angering international powers who bemoaned the move at the United Nations Security Council.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Israel’s Somaliland recognition shows the real purpose of the Abraham Accords - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflects the Abraham Accords’ focus on survival, stability, and strategic cooperation, not sentiment.

Shmuel Legesse at his wedding at The Sephardic Temple of Cedarhurst in Cedarhurst, NY, June 8, 2014.

Israel steps in to defend Somaliland recognition move at UN amid concerns over Gaza motives

"It is not a hostile step toward Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity,” said Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Israel recognized Somaliland – African nations like Ethiopia, Kenya should be next - opinion

Israel recognized Somaliland after decades of patience and Africa can no longer afford to look away.

Ismail Shirwac is seen holding a Somaliland flag and a Israeli flag.

Somaliland’s democracy deserves recognition, and Israel is right to lead - opinion

In a region of chaos, Somaliland has built a functioning democracy, but it doesn't get the international recognition it deserves.

 A woman dressed in Somaliland's flag colours parades to celebrate the 33rd anniversary of their Independence in Hargeisa, Somaliland, May 18, 2024.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland a strategic earthquake - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland isn’t symbolic; it’s a strategic play reshaping power from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean whilst challenging Islamist influence.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state

Israel makes high-stakes moral, strategic gamble on Somaliland - opinion

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland breaks a taboo, rewards statehood, and secures strategic gains around the Red Sea crossroads.

Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on December 26, 2025.

Justice Dept. sentences al-Shabaab terrorist for planning 9/11-inspired plane hijacking, crash plot

A Kenyan al-Shabaab operative was sentenced to two life terms after plotting a 9/11-style aircraft attack on US soil, including training as a pilot to hijack a commercial plane.

Cholo Abdi Abdullah training as a pilot as part of an al-Shabaab plot to attack on US soil.

Israeli presence in Somaliland will be considered a 'military target,' Houthi leader warns

The Houthis’ leader also accused Israel of aiming for the “further disintegration and fragmentation of other countries,” and demanded that all of Yemen act against Israel.

Supporters of Yemen's Houthi terror group watch a speech by the movement's leader Abdul-Malik al-Houthi displayed on a big screen in Sanaa, Yemen July 6, 2025

Israel’s recognition highlights Somaliland’s entrapment in the world’s colonial past - analysis

The lack of willingness of countries to recognize Somaliland is solely due to the legacy of colonialism and how colonial decisions transformed into international law.

Somalis react after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, in Mogadishu, Somalia, December 27, 2025