![Citizens in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, which declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991 and was recently recognized as a state by Israel, continue their daily lives on December 30, 2025. [Abdiwahab Mohamed - Anadolu Agency]](https://www.middleeastmonitor.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/AA-20251231-40125989-40125982-DAILY_LIFE_CONTINUES_IN_HARGEISA-1.jpg)
Signs of mounting risk are emerging as Israel moves to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state — a step that has prompted widespread Arab and international condemnation and heightened regional concern. The territory, which declared its secession from Somalia in 1991, is poised to become a focal point for regional competition, and potentially an arena for Israeli–Egyptian, Israeli–Turkish, and Egyptian–Ethiopian rivalry over influence in the Red Sea. Israel’s sudden initiative has raised serious fears of the militarisation of the region, while prompting questions about its potential repercussions, the objectives behind the move, and whether Somaliland is being positioned as a platform for Tel Aviv’s activities in the Horn of Africa. Israeli targets The war on Gaza exposed Israel’s […]
