Somaliland Dismisses Claims of Hosting Palestinians or Israeli Base Following Recognition Deal
Somaliland on Thursday rejected claims by Somalia’s President that the breakaway region had agreed to resettle Palestinians or host an Israeli military base in exchange for Israel’s recognition of its independence, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Last week, Israel formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, marking the first nation to sign a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Claims of Secret Conditions
Speaking to Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud claimed that Somaliland had agreed to three Israeli conditions: resettling Palestinians, hosting an Israeli military base on the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalize ties.
In response, Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry utterly rejected the first two conditions.
“The Government of the Republic of Somaliland firmly rejects false claims made by the President of Somalia alleging the resettlement of Palestinians or the establishment of military bases in Somaliland,” it said in a statement on X.
Baseless Allegations
Somaliland became part of the Somali Republic in 1960, but then broke away in 1991, declaring independence and establishing a de facto state.
Despite having informal diplomatic ties with multiple nations, Somaliland’s sovereignty had never been recognized by any permanent UN member state until Friday, December 26.
The ministry also described the deal as “purely diplomatic,” noting that “these baseless allegations are intended to mislead the international community and undermine Somaliland’s diplomatic progress.”
Bab el‑Mandeb at the Center
However, analysts see that Israel’s alliance with Somaliland carries exceptional strategic weight, anchored in its commanding position along the Bab el‑Mandeb Strait. This vital maritime gateway is located near Iran‑backed Houthi strongholds in Yemen who have launched repeated strikes against Israel since the outbreak of the Gaza War.
First Recognition
Netanyahu described the recognition as a significant step towards “expanding our partnership. We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, and the fields of social development.”
Moreover, he invited Abdullahi to formally visit Israel and he accepted.
The Israeli PM also promised Abdullahi to convey his desire to join the Abraham Accords to the US President Donald Trump.
Wide Condemnations
The announcement drew strong condemnations and sparked several concerns regionally and internationally.
Somalia’s government, backed by the African Union, has reacted angrily after the recognition, while Mogadishu labeled it as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Egypt, Turkey, China, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all denounced the move.
Related Topics:
Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Stirs Regional Backlash
China Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Urges End to Separatist Activities
Somali President Says Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Threatens Regional Stability
