Expert comments on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

The decision fits broader Washington and Jerusalem plans to counter the Houthis, Andrey Maslov has said

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would have been unlikely without prior consultations with Washington, Andrey Maslov, head of the Center for African Studies at Moscow’s Higher School of Economics, has said.

Israel signed a declaration recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia more than three decades ago but lacks international recognition. The move has drawn sharp reactions across the region, including warnings from Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have threatened to strike Israeli-linked targets on African territory should Israel deepen its footprint there. 

Speaking to RT, Maslov emphasized that Israel, and hence the US, “needs Somaliland as a springboard for operations against the Houthis. This is the most obvious reason.”    

“In exchange for recognition, Israel will likely receive preferences and guarantees for military cooperation: free or cheaper than without it,” he noted. 

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Maslov linked the move to a broader shift in US foreign policy under President Donald Trump. “Trump seeks to make US foreign policy in Africa cheaper,” he argues. “A dramatic but inexpensive recognition of Somaliland, especially by Israel, provides Washington with long-term advantages for power projection.” 

“It can be seen as an alternative to prolonged assistance programs to big economies such as Ethiopia or Tanzania, which are gradually being phased out,” the expert added. “Somaliland, a sparsely populated quasi-state, dependent on foreign aid, nevertheless occupies a strategic location on the Red Sea.”

“Recognition also implies long-term commitments ,” he said. “Securing a foothold on the Indian Ocean coast is essential not only for Israel but also for its allies, primarily Washington, not only in connection with the Houthis but also in the context of potential confrontation with China in the Indian Ocean basin.”

The expert noted that Somaliland has expanded its foreign relations, with British support helping it build ties with the UAE, the US, and Israel. He added that the UK – the former colonial master for this part of Somalia – remains “a key patron” for Hargeisa, while Mogadishu traditionally aligns with Türkiye and Egypt.

READ MORE: Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland

The issue has also reached the UN, where members of the Security Council condemned Israel’s decision on Monday and called on Somalia and Somaliland to engage in peaceful and constructive dialogue.