Somaliland Holds First Independence Day After Israeli Recognition

Somaliland held its first Independence Day celebrations since Israel recognized the territory in December. Thousands gathered in the capital Hargeisa for a military parade and traditional dances. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi addressed the crowd and said Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation.

He added that the question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether it deserves recognition, but when.

Somaliland leaders describe the territory as stable and strategically located on the Gulf of Aden near major shipping lanes. They had hoped the United States, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia would follow Israel's recognition, but no other countries have done so.

The African Union and many international partners oppose formal recognition, citing concerns that it could encourage other separatist movements. Somaliland does not fully control all territory it claims, and eastern areas remain under the authority of the newly formed North East State of Somalia.

The relationship with Israel has divided opinion inside Somaliland. Some residents have displayed Israeli flags, while others have protested the ties. Local activists say dozens of people, including religious scholars and young men carrying Palestinian flags, have been arrested during protests.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have threatened to strike Somaliland if Israel establishes a military presence there. Resident Dahir Omar Bile, 42, said he fears Israel's conduct in Gaza will damage Somaliland's search for wider recognition. Ahmed Ali Shire, a North East State member of parliament from Las Anod, warned that Israel's involvement risks repeating foreign interference that fueled Somalia's civil war in the 1980s.

Fighting between Somaliland forces and local clans in 2023 displaced about 200,000 people, according to Amnesty International.