Hawzah News Agency- Analysts view the move as part of Israel’s longstanding strategy to expand its influence in the Red Sea region and to weaken the territorial integrity of Muslim-majority countries in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
A Strategic Move in a Broader Regional Plan
In the months following the Gaza ceasefire, Israel has pursued a series of aggressive and provocative measures in the region. These include incursions into parts of Syria, continued occupation of the Golan Heights, targeted assassinations in Lebanon, and the signing of a joint military “action plan” with Greece and Cyprus for 2026. The recognition of Somaliland is seen as an extension of these efforts, signaling Israel’s intent to establish strategic footholds along critical maritime routes, particularly in the Red Sea corridor, which is vital for regional trade and energy transport.
Somalia Reaffirms Sovereignty
The Federal Government of Somalia swiftly rejected Israel’s move, reaffirming its unshakable commitment to national unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty, as stipulated in Somalia’s Interim Constitution, the UN Charter, and the African Union Constitution. In a statement, Somali authorities described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “an illegal and deliberate violation of Somalia’s sovereignty” and stressed that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somali territory, which cannot be ceded or transferred under any circumstances.
Yemeni Response and Regional Security Implications
The leader of Ansar Allah Yemen, Sayyed Abdulmalik Al-Houthi, condemned Israel’s recognition as a hostile act targeting not only Somalia but the wider Red Sea region. He described the move as part of an orchestrated plan to establish military bases in Somalia that could threaten Yemen, the Horn of Africa, and other strategic countries along the Red Sea. Al-Houthi warned that this step is closely tied to efforts to disarm Palestinian resistance groups and consolidate control over the Red Sea corridor.
He emphasized: “The Zionist plan is not limited to Somalia. Its objective is to reshape the Middle East in a manner that threatens the security of Muslim nations. Any Israeli presence in Somaliland constitutes a legitimate target for our armed forces, as it represents an aggression against Somalia and Yemen and a serious threat to regional stability.”
Al-Houthi called on Red Sea nations, Arab states, and the global Islamic community to adopt practical measures to prevent Israel from turning Somalia into a strategic base, warning that failure to resist this move would embolden further plots against Muslim countries. He also reiterated that the fight against Israeli aggression is inseparable from support for the Palestinian cause.
Popular Protests and Civil Mobilization
Israel’s decision has sparked widespread popular protests. In Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, citizens held rallies against the recognition of Somaliland, waving Palestinian flags and chanting slogans emphasizing Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, such as “Somalia is indivisible” and “Somaliland is Somalia.” Protesters warned that no part of Somalia could be ceded to Israel or any foreign power, signaling strong public opposition to external interference.
Reports indicate that the protests have also drawn attention to Israel’s broader regional ambitions, including potential collaboration with UAE-backed forces in southern Yemen, which could threaten Yemeni resistance and Red Sea security. Analysts note that this aligns with Israel’s strategic goal of establishing a chain of influence along the Red Sea to counter the axis of resistance.
Historical Context and Wider Implications
Observers argue that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is part of a decades-long effort by Western-aligned powers to fragment Muslim nations and impose external control over strategically vital regions. Similar tactics have been used in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, combining military intervention, political destabilization, and economic leverage. By legitimizing separatist movements, Israel and its allies aim to create vulnerabilities that weaken regional cohesion and prevent unified opposition to external interference.
Arab League Condemnation
The Arab League condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as null and void. The organization highlighted the potential for Israel to exploit northern Somaliland’s ports to establish military bases and called for coordinated legal, economic, political, and diplomatic measures to counter Israel’s actions. The Arab League emphasized that such unilateral recognition constitutes a direct threat to Arab national security and the stability of the Horn of Africa.
Call for Comprehensive Resistance
Experts argue that statements of condemnation, while important, are insufficient to counter the threat posed by Israel’s moves. They stress the need for a comprehensive, unified response from the Islamic world to safeguard territorial integrity, maintain Red Sea security, and counter attempts to establish foreign military footholds. Analysts also warn that the Somaliland recognition could be a prelude to wider destabilization in neighboring regions, including southern Yemen and the Gulf of Aden.
The recognition of Somaliland by Israel has thus reignited debates over sovereignty, regional security, and international law, while highlighting the importance of unity and vigilance among Muslim nations in confronting external threats and defending the rights of oppressed nations.
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