For over three decades, the Republic of Somaliland has functioned as a peaceful, democratic, and self-governing state in the Horn of Africa.
However, its legal status is often misrepresented as a “secessionist claim” instead of a reassertion of a sovereign state that already existed under international law.
In this light, potential recognition by Israel would not signify a radical shift in international norms, but rather a principled acknowledgment of legal reality and strategic foresight.
A Legal Case Rooted in International Law
Somaliland’s claim to statehood is grounded in solid legal principles. On June 26, 1960, Somaliland gained independence from the United Kingdom and was recognized by several nations. This sovereignty was not merely theoretical; it was practical and acknowledged internationally.
The subsequent union with the former Italian Somalia was entered into voluntarily but failed to meet essential legal criteria and ultimately collapsed in 1991.
According to the doctrine of state continuity, the dissolution of that union did not extinguish Somaliland’s prior sovereignty; instead, it restored it.
Today, Somaliland meets all criteria for statehood outlined in the Montevideo Convention of 1933:
A permanent population
A defined territory
An effective government
The capacity to engage in international relations
Few entities seeking recognition can demonstrate such sustained governance, security, and democratic legitimacy over an extended period.
Additionally, the principle of remedial secession bolsters Somaliland’s position. The documented and internationally acknowledged mass atrocities against its population during the 1980s provide compelling justification for its withdrawal from a union that had become destructive and illegitimate.
Why Israel’s Recognition Matters
Recognition by Israel would carry significant legal clarity and strategic implications. Legally, it would emphasize a crucial point:
Somaliland is not a newly formed entity attempting to disrupt international order; it is a previously recognized state reclaiming its rightful place within it. Israel’s own history of state-building under complex legal and geopolitical circumstances gives it a unique perspective on such claims.
Strategically, Israel’s recognition could act as a diplomatic catalyst. It would challenge the inertia that has long hindered international engagement with Somaliland and encourage other nations to reassess their positions based on law and facts rather than outdated political assumptions.
Shared Strategic Interests
Beyond legal considerations, Somaliland and Israel share overlapping interests.
Somaliland’s strategic position along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea corridor places it at the center of one of the world’s most crucial maritime routes.
Stability in this region is essential on a global scale. Somaliland has proven to be a reliable partner in maritime security, counterterrorism, and regional stability.
Israel, in turn, offers expertise in:
Technology
Agriculture
Water management
Security
Innovation
These areas are vital to Somaliland’s long-term development.
A partnership based on mutual recognition would not only benefit both societies but also promote broader stability in the Horn of Africa.
A Question of Principle, Not Precedent
Critics often argue that recognizing Somaliland could set a dangerous precedent. This concern is misguided. Somaliland’s case is sui generis—unique in its historical recognition, defined borders inherited from colonial treaties, and three decades of effective self-rule.
Recognizing Somaliland would not undermine international law; it would strengthen it by prioritizing legality over political convenience.
In Conclusion
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland would be neither symbolic nor disruptive. It would be a principled acknowledgment of a long-ignored legal reality and a strategic investment in a stable, democratic partner in a volatile region.
For the international community, the question is no longer whether Somaliland meets the criteria for statehood—it clearly does—but whether global actors are willing to align their policies with the rule of law and the facts on the ground.
History will judge not Somaliland’s patience, but the world’s hesitation.
You can reach the writer viadhimbiil@live.com
