Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud affirmed that his government is engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts, in cooperation with international and regional partners, foremost among them the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to thwart any attempts or endeavors aimed at securing Israeli recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. This statement comes at a time when the Horn of Africa is experiencing sensitive political tensions that necessitate close coordination among Arab states to safeguard Arab national security.
The Saudi role and the centrality of Arab coordination
The Somali president noted that Saudi Arabia is leading pivotal efforts to support Somalia's unity and sovereignty over its entire territory. This move is based on Riyadh's political and diplomatic weight in international forums, as well as its steadfast support for the stability of the Red Sea and Horn of Africa region. Somali and Saudi diplomacy are working together to thwart any Israeli infiltration that might exploit Somalia's internal situation to bolster its influence in this strategic region, something Mogadishu considers a red line that infringes upon its national sovereignty.
Historical background on the "Somaliland" crisis
The roots of the Somaliland issue date back to 1991, when the region in northern Somalia unilaterally declared its independence following the collapse of the central government and the regime of Siad Barre. Despite enjoying relative stability and a functioning political system, the region has not received any formal international recognition from the United Nations or the African Union, both of which consider it an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The Somali government fears that any external recognition, particularly from Israel, would entrench the division and open the door to foreign interventions that threaten the country's unity.
Geopolitical dimensions and their impact on the region
This diplomatic initiative is of paramount importance given the precarious geostrategic location of Somalia and Somaliland, overlooking the Gulf of Aden and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, two of the most vital waterways for global trade and energy transport. Observers believe that any official Israeli presence in Somaliland could alter the balance of power in the region and raise concerns among Arab states bordering the Red Sea, particularly Egypt and Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the Somali-Saudi initiative aims not only to safeguard Somalia's unity but also to protect Arab national security and prevent the Horn of Africa from becoming an arena for international proxy conflicts.
