Somaliland leader seeks broader recognition following Israel diplomatic breakthrough

[Deeq A.]

Somaliland leader seeks broader recognition following Israel diplomatic breakthrough
Somaliland leader seeks broader recognition following Israel diplomatic breakthroughSomaliland leader seeks broader recognition following Israel diplomatic breakthrough / bne IntelliNews
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By bnm Gulf bureau February 9, 2026
Somaliland’s president said the territory will capitalise on Israel’s recent diplomatic recognition to pursue acceptance from Washington and other major powers, presenting the Horn of Africa state as a mineral-rich ally to US President Donald Trump, Semafor reported on February 8.

The push to develop the pseudo-state into an actual country comes amid international outrage from Somalia, which does not recognise the breakaway republic.

By aligning itself with Israel, Berbera inherits both opportunity and exposure. While recognition opens diplomatic and strategic doors that have long remained closed, it also places Somaliland firmly within a web of regional rivalries and potential security risks.

President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi, speaking in Dubai, described Israel’s December decision to become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as a transformative development for the territory, which has operated as a self-governing entity since its 1991 break from Somalia.

“More people will pay attention,” Abdilahi said, noting the global discussion now surrounding Somaliland’s status.

Israel’s announcement drew sharp criticism from the African Union, European Union and several governments, including China, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Tensions over Somaliland’s growing relationship with the United Arab Emirates have complicated relations between Abu Dhabi and Riyadh.

The president dismissed the negative responses as primarily driven by political interests or insufficient understanding of Somaliland’s history. He noted the territory predates modern Somalia and initially joined the union voluntarily to unite Somali-speaking regions.

Abdilahi said Somaliland’s campaign for international recognition will proceed carefully, given increased opposition. “We have more enemies than before, so everything has to be done discreetly,” he said.

Plans to strengthen Israeli ties include establishing embassies and commercial exchanges. The president cited Israel’s technological expertise in education, agriculture, science and water management as areas for cooperation.

In courting US support, Abdilahi pointed to Somaliland’s Red Sea and Horn of Africa coastline alongside its natural resource deposits including oil, gas and minerals. “We have the best beaches in the world,” he added.

Washington observers view Somaliland as a potential security partner for monitoring weapons trafficking, Yemen’s Houthi movement and China’s expanding presence, including Beijing’s military installation in nearby Djibouti.

The UAE remains Somaliland’s largest investor. Port operator DP World has committed over $400mn to expand Berbera’s port infrastructure for major cargo vessels and to develop an adjacent manufacturing and trade zone.

Following the UAE’s investment, Somalia scrapped all cooperation agreements with the Emirates, including port concessions and defence arrangements, accusing Abu Dhabi of actions that threaten its sovereignty.

Officials in Somaliland said their agreements, including those linked to Berbera port, remain valid, while Puntland and Jubbaland reaffirmed security and development partnerships with Abu Dhabi

Source Intellinews

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