As a veteran advocate who has witnessed the long journey of the Somaliland people, I believe it is essential to clarify the principles guiding our current diplomatic engagements—particularly our dialogue with Israel. My aim is to address the concerns raised within the Arab world and across our region with the clarity and honesty that our shared history demands.
Our diplomatic outreach is not a rejection of Arab brotherhood. It does not diminish the profound historical, cultural, and religious bonds that Somaliland shares with the Arab nations. Rather, this is a pragmatic pursuit of the tools, partnerships, and recognition necessary to sustain Somaliland as a “Beacon of Stability” in an increasingly volatile Horn of Africa.
For over thirty years, Somaliland has been an outlier of peace. We have maintained democratic governance, secured our borders, and acted as responsible stewards of our coastline without the luxury of formal international recognition. Our engagement with Israel is a strategic choice rooted in this reality; it is a search for security cooperation, technological exchange, and the international legitimacy required to reinforce regional stability.
It is also vital to view this moment through a historical lens. Israel was among the first nations to recognize Somaliland upon our independence on June 26, 1960. Today’s engagement is not a sudden pivot, but a restoration of that historical recognition—an acknowledgment of the sovereignty we reasserted in 1991. This continuity underscores our legitimacy. We are not seeking something new; we are reclaiming our lawful place in the community of nations.
The security of the Red Sea—a vital artery for global trade—stands to benefit immensely from a recognized and accountable Somaliland. For Saudi Arabia and Egypt, whose national security depends on predictable maritime governance and robust counter-terrorism, Somaliland is an indispensable partner. We offer a bulwark against the chaos of piracy, arms smuggling, and the transnational threats that thrive in ungoverned spaces.
We must face the strategic reality: a recognized Somaliland is a far more predictable and reliable partner for Cairo and Riyadh than a fractured Somalia that lacks the capacity to control its own shores. In the realms of security and diplomacy, predictability is the highest currency. Somaliland offers clear authority, continuity of policy, and a proven track record of compliance with international norms.
Our diplomatic efforts should be viewed as complementary to Arab interests. By securing our territory and our waters, we reinforce the broader architecture of Red Sea security that benefits every stakeholder in the region.
Somaliland remains unshakeably committed to peaceful cooperation with our Arab brothers, our African neighbors, and the wider international community. We seek a future where a secure Somaliland serves as the foundation for a safer Red Sea and a more prosperous Horn of Africa.
ABDIKARIM Abdi Adan Somaliland Veteran Advocate
