AFP, MOGADISHU
Somaliland yesterday celebrated its first independence day since being recognized as a country by Israel, but not everyone in the breakaway region of Somalia has welcomed its new ally. Thousands gathered in the capital, Hargeisa, for a military parade, traditional dances and political speeches, with added excitement this year following Israel’s move in December to recognize Somaliland’s independence — the first country to do so since it declared its separation from Somalia in 1991. Yet the hope that others might quickly follow suit — including the US, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia — has not come true.Those countries see Somaliland’s value — it has a strategic military and trade position on the Gulf of Aden, very close to Yemen, and is a haven of democracy in a volatile region.
Somaliland Ambassador Mohamed Hagi, right, presents his diplomatic credentials to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, left, at the presidential residence in Jerusalem yesterday.
However, secession is strongly opposed by the African Union and other partners, who fear it could encourage other breakaway movements. Moreover, while most Somalilanders are overjoyed with Israel’s recognition, there have been dissenting voices among its almost entirely Muslim population. There were large protests in the western city of Borama after the recognition was announced, with dozens arrested and wounded by security forces. Religious scholars were also arrested for sermons condemning ties to Israel, and youths detained for waving the Palestinian flag.Nor does Somaliland fully control the territory that it claims. North East State favors union with Somalia and broke away from Somaliland in August 2023 following a months-long conflict in which thousands were killed and about 250,000 displaced. Somaliland’s army shelled hospitals, schools, mosques and civilian neighborhoods during the war, Amnesty International said, adding that its actions amounted to war crimes.
