Somaliland Marks First Independence Day Since Israeli Recognition

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Thousands of people gathered in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, on Monday as the self-declared republic celebrated its first Independence Day since receiving formal recognition from Israel, a development that has intensified both optimism and controversy across the Horn of Africa.

The celebrations featured military parades, cultural performances and traditional dances as Somaliland authorities commemorated 35 years since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.

Addressing the crowd, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said the territory had proven itself as a peaceful and democratic state deserving of wider international acceptance.

“Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation,” he declared. “The question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether we deserve recognition, but when.”

Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland’s independence in December 2025, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough for the breakaway region, which has operated with its own government, currency and security institutions for more than three decades despite lacking broad international recognition.

Somaliland leaders have continued to promote the territory as a stable democratic partner in a volatile region, highlighting its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden near major global shipping routes and conflict-ridden Yemen. Authorities believe the region could emerge as an important military and commercial hub for international partners.

Officials in Hargeisa had hoped countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia would follow Israel’s recognition, but no additional nation has formally endorsed Somaliland’s sovereignty so far.

However, Somaliland’s quest for recognition remains highly contentious internationally. The African Union and several global partners continue to oppose formal recognition, citing concerns that it could encourage separatist movements in other African countries.

Israel’s recognition has also sparked internal divisions within Somaliland, whose population is overwhelmingly Muslim. While some residents have welcomed closer ties with Israel, displaying Israeli flags in homes and businesses, others have strongly criticised the relationship, particularly amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Local activists alleged that authorities arrested dozens of protesters, including religious scholars and young demonstrators carrying Palestinian flags during rallies opposing the new diplomatic ties.

Security concerns have also emerged following threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who warned they could target Somaliland if Israel establishes a military presence in the territory.

One Hargeisa resident, Dahir Omar Bile, expressed concern that Somaliland’s association with Israel could damage its international image.

“Somaliland fought hard for its independence but I can’t trust Netanyahu. He’s killed children the same age as my own,” he said, referring to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Meanwhile, tensions persist in eastern parts of the territory claimed by Somaliland. The newly formed North East State of Somalia disputes Somaliland’s control over some areas, particularly around Las Anod, where violent clashes erupted in 2023 between Somaliland forces and local clan fighters.

According to Amnesty International, the fighting resulted in hundreds or possibly thousands of deaths and injuries, while about 200,000 people were displaced after hospitals, schools, mosques and residential areas were shelled.

Ahmed Ali Shire, a member of parliament from the North East State of Somalia, warned that tensions could escalate again, arguing that foreign involvement risked deepening regional instability.

“The conflict will reignite,” he said, adding that Israel’s involvement could mirror past foreign interventions that fuelled Somalia’s civil conflict in previous decades.

Despite the divisions and security concerns, Somaliland authorities insist that the territory’s stability and governance record distinguish it from Somalia and strengthen its case for broader international recognition.