Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar held talks with the president of Somaliland yesterday, only 10 days after Israel became the first state in the international community to recognize Somaliland as an independent state in the Horn of Africa.
A Somaliland government official, as well as an envoy from the interregional area, added that other nations are lining up to do the same despite claims from Somalia that it violates their territorial sovereignty. Somaliland has been praised by one U.S. senator, Ted Cruz, on X as it suits their security policies. He referred to Somaliland as an ally in the area that contains global trade.
“U.S. Senator Ted Cruz said in a post on X on Monday that recognising Somaliland was aligned with U.S. security interests, calling it ‘an ally that shares our values in a region vital to global trade and counterterrorism.’” | @Reutershttps://t.co/baCbO57mkV
— Senator Ted Cruz (@SenTedCruz) January 6, 2026
Why is Somaliland’s location strategically significant?
This tiny nation declared independent from Somalia in 1991 but has never gained widespread international recognition as a sovereign state. Somaliland is situated at the meeting point of the Indian Ocean and the Red Sea, where its Berbera port looks out onto some of the world’s most congested shipping lanes.
Its position grants it overview over critical maritime chokepoints like the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, through which a huge chunk of global trade and energy shipment passes. Somaliland’s stability, democratic governance, and partnerships with the Western-aligned states in this region turn it into a counterbalance against regional rivals such as China, Turkey, and Iran in the Red Sea security dynamics.
How does Somaliland contrast with Somalia?
Although Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and is not formally recognized by anyone, it has held democratic elections and relative internal security. This makes it sharply different from neighboring Somalia, which has been unsettled for decades. Israel’s recognition on December 26, 2025-the first by any state-follows with ministerial visits-tries to counter Houthi threats, Turkish influence in Somalia, and reinforces its monitoring of the Red Sea.
What is the U.S. position on Somaliland?
U.S. policy remains officially unchanged under President Trump, who opposes recognition despite advocacy from figures like Senator Ted Cruz. However, AFRICOM has assessed Berbera for potential basing since 2022, reflecting U.S. interest in Somaliland’s strategic location for counterterrorism and maritime security operations.
What are Somaliland’s key infrastructure and international deals?
Berbera Port: Operated under a 30-year UAE/DP World concession since 2016, handling container traffic and hosting UAE naval and air facilities.
Ethiopia MoU (2024): Grants Ethiopia sea access for a naval base at Lughaya in exchange for recognition; paused due to Egyptian pressure, but UAE remains supportive.
Rejected Somali offers: In 2025, Somalia proposed U.S. bases, but Somaliland maintains control of Berbera, reinforcing its leverage in regional security arrangements.
How does Somaliland oppose Chinese and Turkish influence?
Somaliland is also in line with the UAE, Taiwan, Israel, and possibly the U.S. in terms of economic cooperation, security, in contrast to Chinese and Turkish ambitions in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
China considers Somaliland a disputed hotspot in US-Chinese rivalry to which it is opposed insofar as this territory has declared independence and established relations with Taiwan and Israel. China has an overseas military base in Djibouti and regularly patrols the Gulf of Aden in order to reduce Western influence in these regions.
Why is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait so critical?
One of these strategic routes is the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, where the Somaliland government has been observing the situation. However, vessels passing along these routes have been subject to attack by the Houthi militia in Yemen, including reasons for Somaliland’s establishment of ties with Israel. Agreements for military cooperation have been termed likely in the future because Somaliland has excluded the possibility of building bases or relocating Palestinians.
How are other regional players responding?
India denies any plans to recognize Somaliland, though some analysts suggest it should act to counter China’s growing influence in Djibouti, Kenya, and Tanzania. The United Arab Emirates runs Berbera port via DP World, along with the airport and free-trade zone, solidifying its sphere of influence in the Horn of Africa.
Why is Somaliland central to Red Sea security dynamics?
Somaliland’s democratic stability, control over key ports, and alliances with Western-aligned states make it a crucial hub in global trade protection and counterterrorism efforts. Its alignment challenges rivals, reinforces regional balance, and ensures that critical maritime chokepoints are not dominated by adversaries.
