Opinion -Examining Israel’s Engagement with Somaliland and Policy Options for the Federal Government of Somalia

This article analyzes Israel’s recent political involvement and implicit recognition of Somaliland’s self-declared administration, evaluating Israel’s possible strategic interests and outlining feasible policy options for the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) to protect its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Although Israel’s outreach to Somaliland may be characterized as pragmatic diplomacy, such engagement explicitly violates Somalia’s internationally recognized borders and potentially fosters additional fragmentation within the Horn of Africa. Considering Somalia’s ongoing state-building efforts and internal security issues, Israel may have assessed that the Federal Government of Somalia (FGS) does not possess sufficient leverage to respond decisively. Somalia continues to possess significant diplomatic, legal, and political instruments to oppose this violation and influence Israel's conduct regarding its territorial integrity; however, as observed, its current stance remains.

Israel’s involvement with Somaliland should be assessed within a broader geopolitical and security framework. Strategically located along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea corridor, including critical chokepoints such as the Bab el-Mandeb, Somaliland offers Israel potential advantages in maritime security, intelligence cooperation, and regional influence. These interests are particularly salient amid evolving regional security dynamics involving Iran, non-state militancy, and the protection of international shipping routes. For Somaliland’s leadership, engagement with Israel presents an avenue to seek international legitimacy and political recognition long denied by the global community. However, such engagement disregards the established international legal principle of Somalia’s territorial integrity, as well as the African Union’s commitment to preserving inherited colonial boundaries to prevent destabilizing secessionist movements.

 Somalia sees Israel's actions as more than just a bilateral relationship; they threaten the international rules that protect weak and post-conflict states from being taken advantage of by outsiders. Although Somalia continues to face governance challenges and the struggle against Al-Shabaab, it remains the sole legitimate authority over its entire territory under international law. Any acknowledgment or de facto acknowledgment of Somaliland without the approval of Mogadishu constitutes a breach of Somalia's sovereignty and potentially establishes a harmful precedent throughout Africa and beyond.

In addressing Israel's actions, the Federal Government of Somalia should implement a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach that integrates diplomacy, legal measures, political engagement, and strategic communication. Diplomatically, Somalia has involved international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, to officially register objections and rally collective support.

On the legal front, Somalia ought to commission a thorough legal evaluation concerning Israel's actions in accordance with international law, with particular emphasis on principles of territorial integrity and the non-recognition of unconstitutional secessionist entities. Although comprehensive legal proceedings may be protracted, formal legal documentation and advisory opinions can reinforce Somalia’s diplomatic position and discourage other states from pursuing a similar course of action.

Politically, maintaining internal cohesion is of fundamental importance. Somalia must enhance the relationship among the federal government, the federal member states, traditional leaders, and the Somali populace as a whole to ensure a unified stance against external interference. Open domestic consultations and consistent messaging will diminish opportunities for foreign actors to exploit internal divisions. Enhancing the legitimacy of governance domestically directly bolsters diplomatic credibility internationally.

 Somalia should consider meticulously devised responses that convey a significant message without exacerbating the region's isolation. This encompasses the reevaluation of cooperation frameworks, the coordination of responses with allied partners, and the strategic utilization of Somalia's geostrategic significance along key maritime routes. Instead of reactive confrontation, Somalia should focus on strategic long-term positioning that integrates the safeguarding of sovereignty with the promotion of economic opportunities and regional stability.

Implementing such a response will pose certain challenges. Israel's strong global power and Somalia's limited power may slow down progress, and disagreements among international stakeholders may make collective efforts less effective. Somalia can, however, mitigate these challenges through the cultivation of strategic alliances, the development of coherent narratives, and sustained perseverance. A clear articulation that Israel’s involvement with Somaliland may jeopardize stability in the Horn of Africa, rather than bolster security, can resonate with international partners concerned about trade security and counterterrorism collaboration.Looking forward, Somalia should regard Israel’s engagement with Somaliland as an impetus to expedite internal reforms and strategic realignment externally. In the long term, advances in institutional federalism, resource management, security sector reform, and maritime capacity development will diminish our susceptibility to external influence. Investing in reputable coastal security collaborations, particularly considering Somalia’s extensive shoreline, is essential to avert future unilateral initiatives by external entities. It is essential to promptly address any emergent violations. Somalia may urgently engage regional powers such as Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Djibouti to prevent any further actions by the Israeli government that could undermine the unity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.In conclusion, Israel’s involvement with Somaliland presents a significant challenge to Somalia’s territorial integrity and the international standards that support post-conflict state reconstruction. Nevertheless, Somalia possesses available options. Somalia can safeguard its sovereignty and restore its stature as a credible and influential regional actor through the implementation of coordinated diplomatic efforts, the establishment of transparent legal frameworks, fostering internal unity, and engaging in strategic defense collaborations with its dependable allies. With principled leadership and consistent engagement, this challenge, as with previous instances, can be converted from a threat into an opportunity to strengthen Somalia’s national identity and strategic independence.