Somaliland is a breakaway republic in the Horn of Africa that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. Its capital is Hargeisa. Since declaring independence, the statelet has developed a system of government which, though imperfect, has been more stable and democratic than in Somalia, where political dysfunction and civil conflict have prevailed.
Somaliland's strategic port of Berbera on the Red Sea coast has attracted significant foreign investment. The United Arab Emirates has invested heavily in commercial and military facilities there. America has long been interested in establishing a military base near the port.
On December 26th 2025 Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state. Somalia called the move "illegal". The African Union and the European Union both criticised it, as did China. Regional heavyweights including Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Turkey jointly declared their "condemnation in the strongest terms". Donald Trump dismissed speculation that America was about to recognise it.
Somali and Middle Eastern security sources say Israel may already be using Berbera for surveillance and as a potential base for military operations, with covert support from the UAE, though Somaliland's government denies such reports. An Israeli presence would challenge Turkey, which has extensive commercial and military interests in Somalia.
al-Shabab and the Houthis, who are said to be forging an alliance, have both threatened to attack Somaliland.
Moderation is a fatal thing. Nothing succeeds like excess.