Somaliland divisions remain as it marks independence day after Israel recognition

Somaliland celebrated its first independence day on Monday since being recognized as a country by Israel, but not everyone in the breakaway region of Somalia has welcomed its new ally.

Thousands gathered in the capital Hargeisa for a military parade and traditional dances, with added excitement this year after Israel's move in December to recognize Somaliland's independence — the first country to do so since Somaliland declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991.

"Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation," President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told the crowd.

"The question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether we deserve recognition but when?" he added.

Yet the hope that others might follow Israel's lead — including the United States, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia — has not come true.

They see Somaliland's value as a strategic military and trade hub on the Gulf of Aden, close to Yemen, and as a haven of democracy in a volatile region.

But secession remains controversial — strongly opposed by the African Union and other partners, who fear it could encourage breakaway movements elsewhere.

And while many Somalilanders are overjoyed with Israel's recognition, there have been dissenting voices among its almost entirely Muslim population;

Dozens have been arrested for protesting against the alliance, including religious scholars and youths waving Palestinian flags.

'War is imminent'

Nor does Somaliland fully control the territory it claims — the newly formed North East State of Somalia claims some of its eastern areas.

Somaliland forces clashed with clans in those areas in 2023, shelling hospitals, schools, mosques and civilian neighborhoods.

Hundreds or even thousands were killed or wounded and some 200,000 displaced, according to Amnesty International.

"The conflict will reignite," Ahmed Ali Shire, a North East State member of parliament, told AFP by phone.

He was speaking from the city of Las Anod, where the scars of war are still fresh.

He said Somalia's civil war of the 1980s was fueled by foreign interference, and the same dynamic was being repeated with Israel's presence.

"More than half of the territory Somaliland claims is actually administered by North East State," said Ali Shire.

Israel's recognition derailed peace talks due to start this year to formalize a cease-fire and exchange prisoners.

Ali Shire was outraged to see Somaliland's president give a map of the territory to the visiting Israeli foreign minister that included North East State.

"Then we had no doubt that war is imminent," he said.

Locals "fear a new war is coming," added Amina Guhad, chair of the North East State women's association, which works with families affected by conflict.

"Maybe the Israelis think they can help Somaliland by force. But everyone will defend their rightful lands like how the Palestinians are defending their land," she told AFP.

Israel's reputation

In Somaliland's heartland, many now say they love Israel.

When AFP visited Hargeisa during Ramadan, almost everyone who reporters talked to sang its praises, with many displaying Israeli flags in their homes and businesses.

But there are dissenting voices.

Hargeisa resident Dahir Omar Bile, 42, fears Israel's reputation from the war in Gaza could hurt the cause.

"Somaliland fought hard for its independence but I can't trust [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu.

"He's killed children the same age as my own," said Bile, who grew up partly in an Ethiopian refugee camp during the civil war of the 1980s.

"When Israel recognized us, everyone in Somaliland assumed the West would do the same — that's why a lot of people celebrated.

"But more recognition has not followed and I think a lot has to do with Israel's international isolation," he added.

Many also worry about threats from Islamist militants, including Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have threatened to strike Somaliland if Israel establishes a military presence as expected.

"The Houthi threats have many people scared," said Bile.