Unexpected Opportunity for Strategic Collaboration in Africa: Israel and the U.S., under President-elect Donald Trump, may recognize Somaliland as the world’s newest independent state. This potential recognition could be in exchange for establishing military bases within Somaliland, according to international reports.
Recognition of Somaliland: In Exchange for Establishing Military Bases on its Territory.
The Republic of Somaliland is a political entity in northern Somalia, which declared independence already in the year 1991. The entity functions essentially as a sovereign, democratic, stable state, without violent conflicts relatively, but is not fully recognized by any other country or international organizations, except its neighbor Ethiopia, as well as Taiwan (the Republic of China), which itself is not recognized as an independent state.
As Trump returns to the White House next month, Somaliland may gain American recognition of its existence, thanks to growing interest among senior members of the Republican Party, conservative research institutes, and the foreign advisors of the elected president in establishing a base in the strategically located country. The recognition would allow the USA to set up operational and intelligence infrastructure to assist in monitoring weapons transfers in the region, to track the activities of China, which holds a military base in the country of Djibouti near Somaliland, and to closely monitor the activities of the Houthis in Yemen.
Meanwhile the pro-Qatari site Middle East Monitor reported about two months ago that Israel is developing interest in establishing a base in Northern Somalia, in order to improve monitoring of the Houthis, as well as control the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. In return, Israel would recognize Somaliland, according to the report. If indeed the establishment of the Israeli base in Somaliland is possible, it would be the second known Israeli African base, after it was previously published that Israel holds an intelligence gathering station in neighboring Eritrea.
Regional Cooperation: The Interest of Tel Aviv and Abu Dhabi
Somaliland is gaining surprising attention due to its strategic location. Its area includes a coastline of 740 km in the Gulf of Aden, stretching across from Yemen and serving as an international route suffering from piracy, terrorism, and smuggling. According to the report, the United Arab Emirates is mediating between Israel and Somaliland regarding the establishment of the military base and has even agreed to finance it. In return, Israeli promises were given for recognition of Somaliland and financial investment in the area. The assistance from the union comes due to the shared interests for it and Israel, weakening the Houthi enemy and reducing Iran’s influence in the region.
