Somaliland Rejects Claims of Hosting Israeli Military Bases

Somaliland has firmly rejected accusations that it has reached an agreement to host Israeli military bases and resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition by Israel. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Thursday, characterising the claims as unfounded and asserting that its dealings with Israel are strictly diplomatic and in accordance with international law.

The denial follows allegations made by Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who claimed to Al Jazeera that Somaliland had accepted three controversial conditions from Israel: the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of a military base along the Gulf of Aden, and participation in the Abraham Accords to normalise relations with Israel.

Earlier this year, reports suggested that Somaliland was interested in aiding Israel’s disputed agenda regarding Palestinian displacement, particularly as officials in Hargeisa sought international recognition. However, Somaliland's Foreign Minister stated that no discussions had occurred on these matters, although he did not entirely dismiss the possibility, contrasting with other nations speculated to be of interest to Israel.

The only condition that has been publicly confirmed is the latter, concerning the Abraham Accords. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that Somaliland would be joining the Accords, expressing his desire to support a 'democratic, moderate Muslim country' seeking to establish ties with Israel.

Last week, Israel became the first nation to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent entity, a significant move ending more than three decades of attempts by the region to gain international acknowledgment. Somaliland's President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi, often referred to as Cirro, is expected to visit Israel in the coming weeks, with reports suggesting the visit might occur as early as the second week of January. During this visit, Abdullahi is anticipated to officially join the Abraham Accords.

Netanyahu had initially extended the invitation to Cirro during a video call that marked the announcement of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland. Somalia’s President Mohamud cautioned that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is not just a diplomatic act but a cover for significant strategic objectives, claiming that Israel aims to 'export its problem in Gaza' to the Horn of Africa, which he described as a dangerous development.

The motivations behind Israel’s sudden recognition of Somaliland remain ambiguous. Analysts have noted the region's strategic importance at the gateway to the Red Sea, particularly given its proximity to Yemen’s Houthi movement, which has previously imposed a naval blockade on Israeli-linked shipping and launched rockets towards Israel.

As indicated in a November report from the Institute for National Security Studies, an Israeli think tank, Somaliland’s geographical location could serve as a strategic base for intelligence operations against the Houthis and potentially facilitate direct military actions. In response to these developments, the Houthis declared earlier this week that any Israeli presence in the region would be considered a target, a statement interpreted by Somaliland’s former intelligence chief, Mostafa Hasan, as tantamount to a declaration of war.

Somaliland’s Foreign Minister sought to alleviate regional concerns, asserting that fears among certain nations regarding Israel's engagement with Somaliland were unfounded. The recognition of Somaliland has sparked widespread protests across Somalia, with tens of thousands demonstrating on December 30 in cities including Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Dhusamareb, waving Somali flags and calling for national unity.

More than 50 countries have condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with both the African Union and the European Union emphasising the importance of respecting Somalia’s territorial integrity. In spite of the backlash, Somaliland’s President Abdullahi expressed optimism on New Year’s Eve, stating that he believes many other nations will soon formally recognise Somaliland as well.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 during a civil war but has not achieved international recognition, despite maintaining a functioning government, currency, and military. The Somali government continues to assert that Somaliland is part of its territory.