Somalia, Jan 12 (V7N) — Somalia has made explosive allegations that Israel is planning to forcibly resettle Palestinians in Somaliland, claiming that the self-declared region’s administration has agreed to accept Palestinians in exchange for international recognition as a sovereign state. The allegations have reignited debate over whether Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is part of a broader strategic agenda, with analysts warning of potential implications for the geopolitics of the Horn of Africa.

According to Somali officials, Israel’s move goes beyond symbolic diplomacy. They argue that Tel Aviv’s recognition of Somaliland last December is tied to long-term strategic and security interests, rather than political goodwill alone. Since the announcement, international observers have questioned whether a secret agreement exists between Israel and Somaliland’s authorities.

Political and international relations analysts suggest that Israel’s interests in Somaliland are primarily geostrategic. Located near the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland occupies a critical position along major global shipping routes. This location could allow Israel to expand its influence toward Yemen, East Africa, and the wider African continent, while also opening doors for economic and security partnerships.

Dr. Hassan Khanenje, Director of the Horn International Institute, said that Israel’s recognition should not be viewed merely as a diplomatic gesture.
“If Israel uses Somaliland for security purposes, it could become a significant operational platform for activities related to the Red Sea, Yemen, and even the Mediterranean region,” he said. “This would also enhance Israel’s footprint across Africa.”

Meanwhile, Somalia’s Defence Minister Ahmed Moallem Fiki has accused the Netanyahu administration of conspiring to violate international law. He claimed that any attempt to forcibly relocate Palestinians to Somaliland would constitute a serious breach of international humanitarian norms.

Calling the recognition a direct threat to Somalia’s sovereignty, Fiki demanded that Israel withdraw its diplomatic recognition of Somaliland. He described the move as part of a broader effort to fragment Somalia, stating,
“We have received confirmed information that Israel has a plan to transfer Palestinians and resettle them in Somaliland.”

Somalia continues to consider Somaliland an integral part of its territory, despite the region’s self-declared independence since 1991. Israel’s recognition has therefore intensified political tensions, both domestically and regionally.

Observers note that Israel’s bold diplomatic step has transformed Somaliland into a new geopolitical flashpoint, where issues of Palestinian displacement, regional security, and great-power strategy have converged—raising concerns about long-term stability in the Horn of Africa.

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