The Horn of Africa has long been regarded as one of the world’s most volatile yet strategically vital regions. In recent months, the region’s geopolitical landscape has heated up once again, with the self-declared state of Somaliland emerging as a focal point—not merely of African internal politics, but of Middle Eastern and global power rivalries.
Although Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, it has never received formal international recognition. Neither the United Nations nor any sovereign state had officially recognized it until recently. However, the situation changed dramatically on Friday, December 26, when Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland, initiating the process of establishing diplomatic relations.
The announcement triggered strong reactions from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, stating that it would not accept any parallel state structure. Egypt echoed the same position. Turkey, meanwhile, warned that the move could be part of a broader diplomatic strategy aimed at undermining efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
According to diplomatic analysts, the issue has now moved beyond a regional African dispute. It reflects a wider strategic and security confrontation at the crossroads of the Middle East and Africa, particularly surrounding control and security of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Saudi Arabia and Egypt are especially concerned about the potential entry of new powers into this crucial maritime corridor.
Somaliland’s geographical location is a key driver of international interest. Situated at the mouth of the Gulf of Aden and near the Red Sea, the region lies along one of the world’s busiest routes for energy shipments and commercial shipping. Ongoing instability caused by the Gaza war, the Yemen conflict, and attacks by Houthi rebels has already heightened insecurity in these waters. In this context, Somaliland is increasingly viewed as a potential site for stable military and naval facilities that could strengthen strategic presence in the Red Sea.
Somaliland maintains its own administration, electoral system, and security forces. It presents itself as more stable, peaceful, and democratic than Somalia. Its leadership believes that international recognition would unlock foreign investment, development assistance, and direct integration into the global trading system.
The positions of major powers are also becoming increasingly significant. While China traditionally adheres to existing state borders, the United States and European countries have shown growing interest in Somaliland due to strategic considerations. The region is seen as important for maritime security and regional influence. Russia is also closely monitoring the situation, viewing it through the lens of political and military opportunity.
The U.S. position remains unclear. In an interview with the New York Post on Friday, President Donald Trump opposed recognizing Somaliland. However, during a White House press conference last August, he hinted that the issue was under consideration by the U.S. administration.
Analysts warn that recognizing Somaliland could strain U.S.–Somalia military and diplomatic relations. The United States currently has troops stationed in Somalia, supporting local forces in operations against Al-Shabaab. Nevertheless, influential voices within Washington support Somaliland’s recognition. Notably, Republican Senator Ted Cruz has publicly backed recognition and advocated closer ties between Somaliland and Israel.
Meanwhile, Somalia’s central government has threatened diplomatic retaliation against Israel’s decision. It maintains that Somaliland is an inseparable part of Somalia and argues that unilateral recognition violates international law.
Overall, Somaliland is no longer merely a self-declared territory on the margins of global politics. It has become a critical nexus of regional security, international trade routes, global power competition, and Middle East–Africa connectivity. Analysts believe the coming years could turn Somaliland into a highly sensitive testing ground in international geopolitics.
Sources: Al Jazeera, The Guardian, Anadolu Agency, Modern Diplomacy