Djibouti leader wary of Israel’s presence in Somaliland

[Deeq A.]

Djibouti President Ismail Omar #Guelleh on Friday warned that the establishment of an Israeli military base in the strategic port city of #Berbera in Somaliland will pose a direct threat to regional stability.

Speaking to a local media, Guelleh accused Israel of exploiting Somaliland’s decades-long quest for statehood to secure a foothold in the Horn of Africa.

He expressed deep concern that the authorities in #Hargeisa might agree to any geopolitical concession in exchange for formal recognition.

The veteran leader also leveled uncharacteristically blunt criticism at the United Arab Emirates, describing the Gulf nation as Israel’s primary “gateway” into the region.

Guelleh pointed out that the #UAE is driving strategic shifts in the Horn of Africa and the #Red_Sea that exacerbate existing conflicts. He further alleged Emirati involvement in destabilising dynamics across #Yemen, #Sudan, #Somalia, #Chad, and #Libya.

While distancing Djibouti from Emirati influence, Guelleh reaffirmed his country’s close strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia.

He noted that Djibouti continues to provide the kingdom with military base access, underscoring Djibouti’s role as a gatekeeper for the vital international waterway.

Guelleh characterised relations with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro” as “cold”, revealing that his government has declined meetings or high-level dialogue with the new administration.
https://apanews.net/djibouti-leader-wary-of-israels-presence-in-somaliland/

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