Africa-Press. A British newspaper reported, citing security sources, that relations between Israel and Somaliland have entered a new phase of cooperation that includes security training and military discussions, in a development described as potentially deepening tensions in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
The report confirmed that this trajectory followed Israel’s announcement of recognizing Somaliland as an independent state last December, which was followed by accelerated cooperation steps, including the appointment of ambassadors in April and the move towards opening mutual embassies in May.
The report noted the return of special forces personnel from Somaliland after receiving advanced military training in Israel, in addition to training around 50 officers within Tel Aviv, indicating an expansion of security cooperation between the two sides.
The source mentioned that an Israeli delegation met with President Abdirahman Arro at the presidential palace, where discussions took place regarding the Iron Dome system to enhance air defense capabilities, with indications of a potential Israeli security expansion in the strategic coastal city of Berbera.
In contrast, African affairs expert Hassan Noor warned that this cooperation could lead to escalating tensions in the region, emphasizing that it undermines the sovereignty of states and redraws security influence maps in the Horn of Africa, noting that the goal is broader Israeli encroachment and a threat to regional security balances.
The Arab League also emphasized in a previous statement its rejection of this trajectory, warning against deepening tension hotspots in the Horn of Africa, especially with Somaliland’s announcement of the imminent opening of an embassy in occupied Jerusalem, a move considered an additional political escalation.
These developments come amid increasing Somali and Arab opposition, with warnings of potential political and possibly military confrontations between Mogadishu and Somaliland if this trajectory continues.
Since the announcement of Israeli recognition of Somaliland, there have been Arab and Somali positions rejecting this step, with warnings about its implications for regional stability, while the Arab League called for avoiding any steps that could deepen tensions in the Horn of Africa.
