Diplomacy
Somaliland Denies Quid Pro Quo on Gazans, IDF Base
In a statement published on X, Somaliland’s foreign ministry said it “firmly rejects false claims” that it had entered into any such arrangements. The ministry stressed that Somaliland’s engagement with Israel is “purely diplomatic” and conducted in line with international law and mutual sovereign interests.
Somaliland has issued an official denial of claims that it agreed to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza or host Israeli military bases in exchange for diplomatic recognition by Israel, pushing back sharply against allegations made by Somalia’s president.
In a statement published on X, Somaliland’s foreign ministry said it “firmly rejects false claims” that it had entered into any such arrangements, describing the accusations as an attempt to undermine its diplomatic progress. The ministry stressed that Somaliland’s engagement with Israel is “purely diplomatic” and conducted in line with international law and mutual sovereign interests.
The denial follows comments by Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, who told Al Jazeera that Israel had demanded three conditions in return for recognition: the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, the establishment of an Israeli military base on Somaliland’s coast, and Somaliland’s accession to the Abraham Accords. Somaliland categorically rejected the first two claims and said no discussions had taken place on hosting military facilities or accepting refugees.
Last week, Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would recognize Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first UN member country to do so. Israel’s announcement made no reference to any quid pro quo or conditions tied to the decision. The move drew strong condemnation from Somalia, criticism from the European Union, and concern across parts of Africa and the Middle East.
Somaliland’s foreign ministry said the allegations were “baseless” and intended to mislead the international community, adding that the region remains committed to regional stability and peaceful international cooperation. “These claims are designed to derail Somaliland’s legitimate diplomatic efforts,” the statement said.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government. While it has maintained relative stability, its own institutions, and regular elections for more than three decades, it has never previously secured formal international recognition. Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.
Analysts note that Israel’s recognition has heightened scrutiny of Somaliland’s strategic location near the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a key maritime corridor linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. However, Somaliland officials insist that recognition does not alter their stance on sovereignty, foreign bases, or involvement in broader regional conflicts.
Despite the backlash, Somaliland’s leadership has expressed confidence that Israel’s move could pave the way for additional international recognition in the future, even as tensions with Mogadishu remain high.