In an exclusive conversation with Q Magazine, Kaysar Maxamed — the diplomat tasked with securing Somaliland’s recognition from the EU — described the country’s recent breakthrough as a moment that “represents far more than a diplomatic milestone,” portraying it as the culmination of decades of self-driven state‑building, resilience, and democratic commitment.
The ambassador’s remarks come at a time of heightened geopolitical tension in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland’s emerging international status has triggered both celebration at home and coordinated pressure from regional actors.
What we know
On December 26, Israel formally recognised Somaliland – the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia – as an “independent and sovereign state,” according to a statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel is the first country to extend such recognition.
Netanyahu said Israel and Somaliland’s president signed a joint declaration framed “in the spirit of the US‑brokered Abraham Accords.” These accords, a major foreign‑policy initiative of US President Donald Trump during his first term, were designed to normalise relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan.
Somalia’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s decision, calling it an attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and a threat to regional peace and stability. The foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, and Turkey – along with the African Union – also issued statements rejecting the move.
Israel’s announcement represents a major diplomatic breakthrough for the region, which has maintained greater stability than Somalia and has attracted significant investment from countries such as Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates. These developments have heightened tensions with Mogadishu.
Trump has stated that he intends to expand the number of countries participating in the Abraham Accords during his second term. Meanwhile, Somali citizens remain subject to a US travel ban introduced under his administration.
A Three-Decade Journey Toward Recognition
Asked by Q Magazine to reflect on the significance of the moment, the ambassador emphasised that Somaliland’s achievement is grounded in a long and often overlooked history of institution‑building:
“Somaliland’s recognition represents far more than a diplomatic milestone. It reflects over three decades of peace-building, democratic governance, and institutional development achieved without international aid or recognition.”
Since reclaiming its sovereignty in 1991, Somaliland has held multiple competitive elections, maintained relative stability in a volatile region, and built functioning state institutions largely through the efforts of its citizens and diaspora. According to the ambassador, recognition “validates long-standing sacrifices” and strengthens public confidence in the rule of law, economic development, and international engagement.
For the wider Horn of Africa, he argued, Somaliland offers “a credible model of bottom-up state-building, stability, and partnership.”
A nation celebrating
The ambassador described scenes of nationwide celebration following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland: flags raised in the streets, spontaneous gatherings, and newly composed patriotic songs spreading rapidly across the country. These displays, he said, reflect “a strong sense of national unity and spirit.”
Yet the festivities have unfolded alongside mounting external pressure.
According to the ambassador, several regional governments – including Turkey, Djibouti, Egypt, and Somalia’s federal administration – have intensified efforts to counter Somaliland’s recognition. Their motivations, he said, range from protecting strategic investments to maintaining influence over ports, resources, and regional security dynamics.
He noted that in the past 48 hours, reports indicate coordinated attempts to “encourage unrest and destabilisation in Somaliland,” moves he described as aimed at halting further recognition and undermining governance.
Strategic interests and regional rivalries
The ambassador Maxamed outlined the geopolitical landscape shaping these pressures:
- Turkey’s deepening agreements with Somalia’s federal government, including infrastructure and resource projects, have positioned Ankara to oppose Somaliland’s diplomatic gains.
- Djibouti, concerned about competition from the rapidly expanding Berbera Port, seeks to maintain dominance in regional trade and politics.
- Egypt, pursuing influence and access to natural resources, has aligned with Somalia and Djibouti in countering Ethiopia and Somaliland’s growing autonomy.
- Somalia’s federal government continues to reject Somaliland’s independence, seeking to preserve what the ambassador called its “fake territorial integrity” while leveraging foreign partnerships for strategic advantage.
These dynamics, he argued, are driven by a mix of economic interests, military positioning, and long-term geopolitical calculations.
Despite the pressures, the ambassador expressed confidence in Somaliland’s ability to navigate this turning point. He credited the country’s resilience to its people, traditional leaders, civil society, and diaspora groups that have sustained Somaliland’s progress for more than three decades.
“Somaliland faces the dual challenge of external pressures and internal unity,” he said. “The resilience and patriotism of Somaliland’s people will be key to safeguarding sovereignty and navigating this critical moment.”
As international attention intensifies, Somaliland’s next steps — and the global response — may shape the future of the Horn of Africa for years to come.
How Arab countries responded to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
Arab states have strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, calling it a violation of international law and a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
According to reports from Anadolu Agency, several Arab governments issued coordinated statements rejecting the move and reaffirming their support for a unified Somalia.
Saudi Arabia criticized Israel’s decision, saying it reinforces “unilateral, separatist measures” that contradict international law. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the kingdom’s “full support” for Somalia’s sovereignty and the unity of its territory.
Riyadh also rejected any “attempts to impose parallel entities” that could undermine Somalia’s stability, stressing its backing for the country’s legitimate state institutions.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a danger to both Arab and regional security.
The ministry reiterated its full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and political independence, aligning its position with international law, Arab consensus, and resolutions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
It warned that legitimizing Somaliland’s secession could destabilize Somalia and argued that the move fits into what it called “Israel’s broader efforts to destabilize regional and international peace.” The ministry also claimed that Israel has previously floated Somaliland as a potential destination for relocating Palestinians, particularly from Gaza.
Egypt announced that it has been working closely with regional partners to oppose Israel’s decision. According to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone discussions with his counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye, and Djibouti regarding the “dangerous developments” in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The ministers reportedly agreed on a “complete rejection and condemnation” of the move and reaffirmed their collective support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Before his current role, Ambassador Kaysar Maxamed held several senior government posts in Somaliland, including Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Planning, and Commerce and Investment—positions that placed him at the heart of the country’s foreign policy and development agenda. He holds an MSc in Security and Development from the University of Bristol and a Bachelor’s degree in International Social and Public Policy.