Mohamoud Walaaleye
Al Jazeera, the Qatar-funded international broadcaster often celebrated for its in-depth and balanced journalism, has once again demonstrated a troubling pattern in its reporting on the Republic of Somaliland. On December 26, 2025, Israel became the first nation to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state—a historic milestone after 34 years of self-governance, democratic elections, and peacebuilding. Yet, Al Jazeera’s coverage framed this achievement primarily through the lens of Somalia’s rejection, regional instability, and recycled speculation about Palestinian relocation, rather than Somaliland’s remarkable accomplishments.
This is not an isolated incident. In September 2025, Al Jazeera published an article titled “Somaliland recognition for forced transfer of Palestinians? ‘Not worth it’”, which amplified unverified rumors of a supposed deal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland in exchange for recognition. Despite Somaliland’s official denials—repeated by Foreign Minister Abdirahman Dahir Adan and other leaders—and strong public support for Palestinian statehood, the piece relied on anonymous sources, local concerns, and analyst warnings about potential violence from groups like al-Shabaab, and proceeded to publish without incorporating clarifications.
I submitted a detailed rebuttal to Al Jazeera highlighting these inaccuracies, the article’s speculative framing, and Somaliland’s stability compared to Somalia. Over four months later, it remains unpublished. Meanwhile, that same rebuttal, published in The Horn Tribune, has been read by over eight hundred people and continues to circulate.
Al Jazeera’s December 26 piece on Israel’s recognition similarly emphasized Somalia’s urgent cabinet meeting, quoted unnamed sources, and referenced the earlier Palestinian relocation rumors—despite both Somaliland and Somalia having denied any such plans in March 2025. The article downplayed Somaliland’s democratic institutions, multi-party elections, and relative peace since 1991, while amplifying fears of “centrifugal forces” in Somalia. Notably, the piece intentionally omitted the full title “Republic of Somaliland,” further undermining its legitimacy.
This pattern raises questions about bias and aligns with Qatar’s alliances with Somalia, Turkey, Egypt, and Djibouti—all of whom condemned Israel’s recognition on December 26. In contrast, rivals like the UAE have invested in Somaliland’s Berbera port and supported its stability.
The Republic of Somaliland’s public, both at home and abroad, along with our allies and supporters worldwide, sees this coverage as part of a broader effort to delegitimize our independence. We have built a functioning state through free elections, peaceful power transitions, and economic progress—achievements rarely highlighted by Al Jazeera. Instead, reports often prioritize Mogadishu’s narrative, ignoring Somaliland’s distinct history as a former British protectorate and its reclamation of its independence from Somalia after the 1991 collapse and civil war atrocities.
To Al Jazeera and Qatar: The Republic of Somaliland’s quest for recognition is based on facts, not speculation. We stand firmly with the Palestinian people and reject any association with forced displacement. Republic of Somaliland has survived isolation and adversity; we will thrive with or without your support. But recognizing reality now—rather than perpetuating division—would benefit everyone in the Horn of Africa.
The Republic of Somaliland endures. We welcome friends who see our stability and democracy for what they are.
https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2025/12/26/israel-becomes-first-country-to-recognise-somaliland