Omar Mohamed Farah
Since the Government of #Israel formally recognized the independence of the Republic of #Somaliland on 26 December 2025, Somalia’s failed state an authority long incapable of governing itself has descended into profound political disarray. This reaction has publicly laid bare the reality of Somalia’s 35-year collapse as a functioning state.
Israel’s decision constitutes a historic and justice-based milestone. Particular credit is due to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government chose to stand with the legitimate rights of more than six million Somalilanders rights that for three and a half decades have been unjustly held hostage by a non-functioning, largely fictional state with which Somaliland shares neither practical governance nor political relevance.
The respected analyst Michael Rubin, known for his work on African security and Middle Eastern affairs, has long argued that the international community has committed a grave injustice against the people of Somaliland. Since reclaiming their sovereignty in 1991 sovereignty originally attained from the United Kingdom in 1960—Somalilanders have been denied international recognition under the false pretense of unity with #Somalia, a failed state whose presence is today largely confined to radio broadcasts and international conference halls.
In the eighteen days following Somaliland’s re-recognition, Somalia’s president, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, has displayed political panic bordering on irrationality. Gripped by anxiety and strategic confusion, his public narrative has devolved into inflammatory rhetoric, including the claim that “Israel, which oppresses our Palestinian brothers, has now attacked us.” Such statements reflect political desperation rather than coherent statecraft.
Once again, the Republic of Somaliland has presented the world with its legitimate and undeniable right to sovereign recognition. Now officially recognized, Somaliland seeks to play a constructive role in advancing security, stability, and development in the Horn of Africa a region in which it occupies a geopolitically strategic position.
Alarmingly, Mogadishu’s hostility has escalated to reports that it sought external military intervention against Somaliland, including appeals to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. These actions have reopened painful memories among Somalilanders of the mass atrocities committed by the Somali state during the 1980s crimes that are well documented and estimated to have claimed the lives of more than 50,000 civilians.
Even more troubling are allegations that Somalia’s president has engaged in reckless outreach to extremist groups operating within Somalia, urging them to participate in a joint confrontation against both the Republic of Somaliland and the State of Israel. Such conduct underscores the depth of irresponsibility and hostility shaping his current political posture.
The Republic of Somaliland remains the only country in Africa whose constitution explicitly mandates the fight against terrorism. In response to emerging threats, Somaliland has placed its security forces on high alert and implemented robust preventive measures to counter any extremist elements encouraged or mobilized from Somalia.
Across Somaliland’s cities and towns, citizens have mobilized in a powerful display of patriotism, actively contributing to national security. Community-based security committees have been established in neighborhoods and districts, working closely with state institutions to neutralize destabilizing plots originating beyond the country’s borders.
The people of Somaliland remain firmly committed to strengthening their partnership with Israel. They also anticipate that other nations will soon follow Israel’s courageous and principled decision to recognize the Republic of Somaliland. Such recognition will inevitably dismantle the false narratives, hate-driven propaganda, and destabilization campaigns emanating from Mogadishu. These efforts are destined to fail, as international relations are ultimately governed by mutual interests and shared values, not political denialism.
Somalia’s president would be far better served by focusing on restoring peace and stability within his own country rather than obsessing over Somaliland—a sovereign state that withdrew from Somalia 35 years ago following the collapse of an unratified and legally invalid union.
Finally, the defense of Somaliland’s sovereignty rests firmly with its youth, who constitute over 70 percent of the population. This generation was born after Somaliland reclaimed its independence and has never experienced governance from Mogadishu. They stand resolute and prepared to defend a nation whose sovereignty is not a claim, but a lived reality.