Garowe – Authorities in Puntland have called for a review of the growing partnership between Somalia and Türkiye, warning that the current trajectory of bilateral agreements could threaten national sovereignty unless greater transparency and equilibrium are established.
In a statement released by Abdifitah Mohamed Abdinur, Puntland’s Minister of State for the Presidency, the regional administration acknowledged Türkiye’s significant contributions to Somalia’s reconstruction—specifically in infrastructure development, social services, and military training.
However, Abdinur stressed that the central issue is no longer about the volume of aid received, but rather whether the existing framework of agreements genuinely serves Somalia’s long-term strategic interests.
While noting Somalia’s strategic maritime location and considerable economic potential, the Minister expressed concern over the federal government’s negotiating leverage and the opaque nature of major contracts. He warned that when large-scale agreements are executed without public clarity, they risk fostering public suspicion and eroding confidence in state institutions, a particularly dangerous dynamic for a country emerging from prolonged instability.
On security matters, Abdinur described the military cooperation as especially delicate. He argued that while capacity-building for Somali forces is essential, there must be safeguards against external influence that could compromise the autonomy of the nation’s security apparatus. He cautioned that any perception of the military being drawn into political affairs could exacerbate existing tensions and deepen national divisions.
The remarks were made one day after the Federal Government of Somalia and the Turkish government formally launched a joint offshore oil exploration mission in Somali waters.
On April 6 and 7, U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) carried out the strikes in coordination with the Federal Government of Somalia. The operation focused on ISIS-Somalia elements in the Golis Mountains, located roughly 55 to 75 kilometers (34 to 47 miles) southeast of the port city of Bossaso in northeastern Somalia.
AFRICOM stated that the goal of the operation was to weaken ISIS-Somalia’s capacity to plan and execute attacks that could threaten the U.S. homeland, American forces, and U.S. citizens abroad. Due to operational security concerns, the military did not release details on the specific units or equipment involved.
The Somali government has frequently partnered with U.S. forces in operations against extremist groups in the country, including al-Shabab and ISIS-Somalia. The Golis Mountains have long been recognized as a stronghold for ISIS-Somalia, which is primarily active in the semi-autonomous Puntland region.
No immediate information was available on casualties or damage resulting from the latest strikes.
East Africa’s Djibouti is set to vote for a president on Friday, with incumbent Ismael Omar Guelleh expected to extend his 27-year rule after parliament removed age limits that would have barred him from standing again.
The small but strategically located country, with a population of less than 1 million, lies along the Gulf of Aden at the entrance to the Red Sea and hosts U.S., Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese military bases. Since 2023, several commercial ships damaged in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants have docked in the country.
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Djibouti’s Guelleh expected to win sixth term after age limits lifted
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Friday April 10, 2026
East Africa’s Djibouti is set to vote for a president on Friday, with incumbent Ismael Omar Guelleh expected to extend his 27-year rule after parliament removed age limits that would have barred him from standing again.
The small but strategically located country, with a population of less than 1 million, lies along the Gulf of Aden at the entrance to the Red Sea and hosts U.S., Chinese, French, Italian and Japanese military bases. Since 2023, several commercial ships damaged in attacks by Yemen’s Houthi militants have docked in the country.
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Relatively stable, especially compared to regional neighbours such as Somalia and Ethiopia, Djibouti has been governed since 1999 by the now 78-year-old Guelleh. He was handpicked to succeed his uncle Hassan Gouled Aptidon, the country’s first president after independence from France in 1977.
Under Guelleh, the government has invested heavily in port infrastructure and has become the main gateway to landlocked Ethiopia, Africa’s second most populous nation.
Guelleh, whose lone challenger in the race is Mohamed Farah Samatar of the small Unified Democratic Centre (CDU) party, has won five elections, never with less than 74% of the vote. In the last election in 2021, he won with over 97%.
“Let us remember we have managed to maintain the stability of our country in an unstable region. We have preserved peace when others have descended into chaos,” Guelleh said in public comments last month.
Human rights groups accuse the Djiboutian authorities of repressing political opponents, activists and journalists. Two of the main opposition parties have boycotted elections since 2016, accusing election authorities of lacking impartiality.
The government has denied allegations of widespread abuses and rejected criticism of the electoral process.
Samatar, whose party is not represented in parliament, has campaigned on cracking down on corruption, cutting wasteful government expenditures and boosting social spending, according to local media.
In 2020, security forces quelled rare anti-government street protests, which erupted after the arrest of a former air force pilot who had denounced alleged corruption and clan-based discrimination.
Last October, parliament voted to remove the 75-year age limit for presidential candidates and also scrapped a referendum previously required to approve a new constitution.
Somaliland’s push for international recognition took center stage at a recent discussion, where its representative to the United States highlighted the nation’s three core pillars: democracy and stability, security and economic opportunity, and formal recognition as a catalyst for progress.
The representative spoke at an event organized by FPRI’s Africa Program. The discussion explored the potential impact of U.S. recognition on American foreign policy in the Horn of Africa and whether Washington and its allies should recognize Somaliland.
Moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Charles A. Ray, former U.S. Ambassador and Chair of FPRI’s Africa Program on April 8, 2026, the panel featured Somaliland’s Representative to the United States Bashir Goth, Hudson Institute Africa expert Joshua Meservey, and University of Alaska Africa studies expert Michael Walsh.
Bashir Goth delivered a clear message: if the United States recognizes Somaliland, they will join the Abraham Accords. He emphasized Somaliland’s track record as a stable, pro-Western democracy in the Horn of Africa — featuring free elections, peaceful transfers of power, and a robust civil society. Somaliland has rejected overtures from adversaries like China while maintaining strong ties with Taiwan. Unlike neighboring Somalia, Somaliland has built effective security institutions and governance with minimal foreign aid, positioning itself as a reliable partner for the United States and its allies.
On the second pillar, Somaliland’s strategic location along key maritime routes — including the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait — offers significant opportunities for counterterrorism, maritime security, and logistics. Its modern port of Berbera is already attracting foreign investment. Recognition would unlock greater access to finance, trade, critical minerals, and energy opportunities for American and international businesses.
The third pillar centers on recognition itself, which Somaliland argues would accelerate development, remove barriers imposed by the “one Somalia” policy, and enhance regional stability and counterterrorism coordination. Somaliland frames its independence not as secession but as the restoration of colonial-era borders — a position he says was acknowledged in the African Union Charter. Recent Red Sea shipping disruptions have only heightened Berbera’s strategic importance, with new shipping routes opening, including those involving Saudi maritime companies.
Addressing diplomatic realities, Somaliland hosts offices from several European and Arab countries as well as Taiwan. Many of these operate de facto as consulates, though they are formally linked to embassies accredited to Somalia. Somalia objects, but it has had no effective control over Somaliland for 35 years.
On potential security risks from closer ties with Israel and the United States — including proximity to the Houthis in Yemen — Somaliland officials acknowledged the calculated risks that come with such partnerships, while stressing mutual security and economic interests. No Israeli military basing currently exists, but future cooperation remains open.
Regarding the prospects for U.S. recognition, Somaliland representatives expressed optimism that the “first country” barrier has been broken with Israel’s recognition. He drew parallels to Bangladesh’s path to broader acceptance and predicted that additional recognitions, including from the United States, would follow in due course. The Somaliland president is expected to visit Washington, though no date has been specified.
Finally, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Abraham Accords, stating that it had expressed interest even before Israel’s recognition and would do so “automatically” if the United States grants recognition.
The discussion underscored Somaliland’s vision of becoming a stable, democratic anchor and strategic partner in a volatile region.
Somaliland’s push for international recognition took center stage at a recent discussion, where its representative to the United States highlighted the nation’s three core pillars: democracy and stability, security and economic opportunity, and formal recognition as a catalyst for progress.
The representative spoke at an event organized by FPRI’s Africa Program. The discussion explored the potential impact of U.S. recognition on American foreign policy in the Horn of Africa and whether Washington and its allies should recognize Somaliland.
Moderated by Ambassador (ret.) Charles A. Ray, former U.S. Ambassador and Chair of FPRI’s Africa Program on April 8, 2026, the panel featured Somaliland’s Representative to the United States Bashir Goth, Hudson Institute Africa expert Joshua Meservey, and University of Alaska Africa studies expert Michael Walsh.
Bashir Goth delivered a clear message: if the United States recognizes Somaliland, they will join the Abraham Accords. He emphasized Somaliland’s track record as a stable, pro-Western democracy in the Horn of Africa — featuring free elections, peaceful transfers of power, and a robust civil society. Somaliland has rejected overtures from adversaries like China while maintaining strong ties with Taiwan. Unlike neighboring Somalia, Somaliland has built effective security institutions and governance with minimal foreign aid, positioning itself as a reliable partner for the United States and its allies.
On the second pillar, Somaliland’s strategic location along key maritime routes — including the Gulf of Aden and near the Bab al-Mandab Strait — offers significant opportunities for counterterrorism, maritime security, and logistics. Its modern port of Berbera is already attracting foreign investment. Recognition would unlock greater access to finance, trade, critical minerals, and energy opportunities for American and international businesses.
The third pillar centers on recognition itself, which Somaliland argues would accelerate development, remove barriers imposed by the “one Somalia” policy, and enhance regional stability and counterterrorism coordination. Somaliland frames its independence not as secession but as the restoration of colonial-era borders — a position he says was acknowledged in the African Union Charter. Recent Red Sea shipping disruptions have only heightened Berbera’s strategic importance, with new shipping routes opening, including those involving Saudi maritime companies.
Addressing diplomatic realities, Somaliland hosts offices from several European and Arab countries as well as Taiwan. Many of these operate de facto as consulates, though they are formally linked to embassies accredited to Somalia. Somalia objects, but it has had no effective control over Somaliland for 35 years.
On potential security risks from closer ties with Israel and the United States — including proximity to the Houthis in Yemen — Somaliland officials acknowledged the calculated risks that come with such partnerships, while stressing mutual security and economic interests. No Israeli military basing currently exists, but future cooperation remains open.
Regarding the prospects for U.S. recognition, Somaliland representatives expressed optimism that the “first country” barrier has been broken with Israel’s recognition. He drew parallels to Bangladesh’s path to broader acceptance and predicted that additional recognitions, including from the United States, would follow in due course. The Somaliland president is expected to visit Washington, though no date has been specified.
Finally, Somaliland reaffirmed its commitment to joining the Abraham Accords, stating that it had expressed interest even before Israel’s recognition and would do so “automatically” if the United States grants recognition.
The discussion underscored Somaliland’s vision of becoming a stable, democratic anchor and strategic partner in a volatile region.
The Republic of Somaliland is drawing increased attention in American political and media circles, highlighted by a prime-time appearance on Newsmax’s Rob Schmitt on April 6.
Hassan Aden, CEO of Somaliland Investment and Trade, emphasized the territory’s restoration of independence in 1991, its long-standing stability, democratic governance, and clear contrast with neighboring Somalia. The segment aimed to build broader awareness and support among US audiences.
This interview forms part of Somaliland’s ongoing diplomatic push. Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state in December 2025, opening doors for potential partnerships. US lawmakers, including Rep. John Rose (R-TN), have since called for stronger ties and full recognition, citing strategic benefits in the Horn of Africa, including access to Berbera port and critical minerals like lithium and coltan.
A bill in Congress (H.R. 3992, the Republic of Somaliland Independence Act) continues to advance discussions, with Somaliland offering military basing rights and resource access in exchange for diplomatic recognition.
Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, and regular elections since 1991. It gained its first recognition from Israel last year but still remains not fully internationally recognized by most nations, including the United States. Officials hope that growing visibility will shift long-standing policy.
Garowe – The President of the Puntland State of Somalia, Said Deni, has ordered all branches of Puntland’s security forces to prepare themselves rigorously and remain on full alert at all times, ready to respond whenever needed.
Speaking during a meeting with some of the forces and their commanders, President Deni stated that Puntland is entering a war he described as just—one fought to defend its people and its territory. He emphasized that the government will not issue wrongful orders to its forces, but they are expected to carry out their duties efficiently and professionally.
President Deni also reaffirmed Puntland’s firm commitment to safeguarding its stability, warning against various threats including terrorists, pirates, and individuals attempting to infiltrate the security forces in order to undermine them from within.
Expressing confidence in his forces, Deni said: “We are confident that our forces have the ability to defend the country and prevent anyone who causes trouble.”
The president’s remarks come amid growing grievances within some sections of the forces, triggered by the recent cabinet reshuffle in Puntland. Some of these forces have complained that their clans have been marginalized in Puntland’s political power-sharing arrangements, while others have previously voiced complaints over unpaid salaries—and have even sent appeals to the Federal Government of Somalia.
The 59th session of the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Somaliland, chaired by H.E. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro), was held today at the Presidential Palace.
During this session, the Council addressed several key agenda items, as outlined below:
Welcoming of Newly Appointed Ministers
President Cirro officially welcomed the recently appointed ministers to the Cabinet. The new ministers are:
· H.E. Aadan Geeddi Qayaad – Minister of Agricultural Development
· H.E. Maxamed Cabdimaalik Axmed – Minister of Water Development
· H.E. Dr. Cabdisalaan Xuseen Cawaale – Minister of Telecommunications and Technology
· H.E. Barkhad Jaamac Xirsi Batuun – Minister of Information, Culture, and Awareness
Each new minister delivered brief remarks, expressing gratitude to the President for his trust and requesting his prayers for divine guidance in fulfilling their national duties. They further pledged to serve with integrity, transparency, and a strong sense of national responsibility, prioritizing the public interest of Somaliland and its people.
National Security Update
Deputy Minister of Interior and National Security, H.E. Cabdirashiid Maxamed Axmed (Magaalo), reported that the national security situation remains stable, with no unrest or threats of any kind. He noted that reconciliation efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are progressing well, and that local communities are ready to embrace peace.
Economic Situation Briefing
Minister of Finance and Economic Development, H.E. Cabdillaahi Xasan Aadan, briefed the Council on the economic, commercial, and livelihood impacts of the ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. He highlighted that rising fuel prices, increased import costs, and higher maritime insurance premiums have directly affected local trade and citizens’ living standards, creating a significant economic burden.
The Minister stressed the need for national coordination to strengthen domestic revenue sources and reduce dependence on external markets. He reaffirmed his ministry’s commitment to increasing internal revenue, controlling inflation, and stabilizing the Somaliland Shilling, and called for unified measures to mitigate current economic pressures while promoting local production and inter-agency collaboration.
Foreign Affairs & Digital Sovereignty
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, H.E. Cabdiraxmaan Daahir Aadan Bakaal, presented a report on the strategic importance of Digital Sovereignty for Somaliland, particularly in the modern era. He noted that following Israel’s recognition, Somaliland faces increased hostility from adversaries seeking to undermine it by various means.
The Minister emphasized that strengthening Digital Sovereignty is essential for protecting national data, enhancing international communications and image, developing digital public services, and advancing technology-driven diplomacy. He announced the formation of a Task Force of experts to develop and implement a national strategy for achieving and safeguarding Somaliland’s Digital Sovereignty. He urged the Council to treat this as a national priority critical to the nation’s future.
Humanitarian Affairs & Resettlement
Minister of Resettlement and Humanitarian Affairs, H.E. Saleebaan Ducaale Xaaji Jaamac, updated the Council on his ministry’s ongoing operations. He reported that over the past eight months, food aid has been distributed to drought-affected communities in the eastern regions. He proposed several measures:
· Delivering urgent aid to the eastern regions
· Accelerating collaboration between international and local agencies
· Developing a national plan to build resilience against recurrent droughts
· Continuously assessing the living conditions of affected populations
Decentralization of Basic Education
Minister of Education, Training, and Science, H.E. Professor Ismaaciil Ducaale Yuusuf, presented a report on the Basic Education Decentralization Procedure. This framework aims to clearly define roles and collaboration between the Ministry of Education, local governments, district councils, and district education offices—particularly in districts where basic education has been decentralized.
He noted that implementing this system will improve the quality of basic education and ensure equitable access for all students. The procedure encourages close cooperation between the ministry, local administrations, and communities, thereby supporting educational development and addressing local needs.
Environment & Climate Change – National Tree Planting Day
Minister of Environment and Climate Change, H.E. Cabdilaahi Cismaan (Geeljire), briefed the Council on preparations for National Tree Planting Day (15.04.2026). He announced that the government plans to plant 13 million trees to strengthen environmental protection and mitigate climate change impacts.
He urged all cabinet members and national institutions to take visible responsibility for planting and caring for trees on their premises, setting a positive example for the public. The Minister emphasized that climate change has severely affected both rural and urban communities, making a green economy imperative—with tree planting as the cornerstone of climate action.
Closing Remarks by the President
In his closing remarks, President Cirro informed the Council that peace efforts in the Awdal and Selel regions are proceeding smoothly, with a high-level delegation led by the Vice President currently on the ground.
The President specifically commended the traditional leaders of these regions for their vital role in fostering peace and unity among local communities. He expressed gratitude for their continued efforts to ensure lasting stability and social cohesion.
Riyadh – The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has officially launched new maritime shipping services connecting Saudi terminals to Somaliland’s Berbera Port, a move that strengthens Riyadh’s logistics footprint in the Horn of Africa amid intensifying regional competition.
The service integrates Berbera into Mawani’s network of 17 international destinations, including major hubs in China, India, and the Gulf. The first vessels are expected to boost Berbera’s annual container throughput, which currently stands at approximately 500,000 TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units), with projected growth of 15–20% over the next 12 months.
Strategic benefits
For Saudi Arabia (Vision 2030):
· Aims to raise the Kingdom’s maritime logistics capacity to 40 million TEUs annually by 2030.
· Reduces reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb chokepoints by diversifying regional port access.
For Somaliland & Berbera:
· Berbera’s current utilization is estimated at 60–70% of capacity; new Saudi services could push it toward full capacity by late 2027.
· The port’s free zone, spanning 12 square kilometers, is expected to attract an additional $150–200 million in Saudi-linked FDI over two years.
For Ethiopia (landlocked, 120 million population):
· Currently over 90% of Ethiopian trade transits through Djibouti. The Berbera corridor offers a shorter alternative: less than 250 km from Berbera to the Ethiopian border vs. over 900 km via Djibouti.
· Projected logistics cost savings: 10–15% on container freight to Addis Ababa.
Regional competition context
The move places Saudi Arabia in direct but complementary competition with the UAE, whose DP World holds a 51% stake in Berbera’s development under a 30-year concession signed in 2016. Turkey also operates a military facility in neighboring Somalia.
Mawani’s entry diversifies Berbera’s investor base, reducing single-actor dependency. In 2025, Berbera handled an estimated 1.2 million tons of cargo, up from 850,000 tons in 2020. Saudi-backed services are forecast to push that figure past 1.5 million tons by end-2026.
Livestock impact
Somaliland exports approximately 3–4 million livestock heads annually to the Gulf, worth around $250–300 million. The new shipping route cuts sea transit time from Berbera to Jeddah by an estimated 2–3 days, improving animal health and reducing mortality rates by an expected 5–7%.
Bottom line
With port competition in the Horn accelerating—involving the UAE, Ethiopia’s recent MoU with Somaliland (January 2024), and now Saudi Arabia—Berbera stands as the primary beneficiary. The Mawani service transforms it from a regional alternative into a frontline competitor to Djibouti, which currently handles 1.7 million TEUs annually.
Jama Ayaanle Feyte is Somaliland Born Journalist and Horn of Africa Political and Security Analyst
By: Yousef Timacade, a Lawyer, Legal Analyst and human rights Defender.
In Somalia, patriarchy is not always loudly declared, it is quietly lived, it shapes family decisions, determines who controls resources, and decides whose voice carries authority in public life. By default, it privileges men, yet beneath this surface advantage lies a paradox: the same system that seems to elevate men is holding the entire society back.
At first glance, patriarchy may appear beneficial for men. It grants social status, control over opportunities, and decision-making power. But this advantage is narrow. When women are excluded, the country loses half of its potential workforce, thinkers, and innovators. Ideas remain unrealized, businesses unstarted, and solutions undiscovered. Economist Amartya Sen once wrote, “Development requires the removal of major sources of unfreedom, including the denial of women’s rights.” In Somalia, this “unfreedom” manifests as limited access to education, professional roles, and political representation for women.
The consequences ripple beyond economics. Justice systems, shaped by male-dominated structures, often leave women underrepresented and underserved, laws may fail to reflect women’s realities, and institutions sometimes fail to deliver fairness equally. Over time, this imbalance eat away at public trust, as a legal system that does not serve everyone equally struggles to maintain legitimacy.
At home, patriarchal norms impose rigid gender roles, men are expected to be stoic providers; women are tasked with domestic responsibilities. Partnership often gives way to hierarchy, and harmony is replaced by quiet tension. Across Somalia, the argument that women are less capable persists but reality tells a different story. Women sustain markets, excel academically, and contribute professionally and socially, their limitations are structural, not personal.
Somali feminists, known locally as Dumar la Jirnimo, are challenging these inequalities, they do not seek to reverse roles but to remove barriers that prevent fair participation. Amina Mohamed, a Somali scholar and activist, explains: “Our struggle is not against men, it is about ensuring everyone has equal opportunity to contribute to society.” Feminism in Somalia is not a foreign or misguided idea; it is a movement to secure human and civil rights, eliminate gender discrimination, and ensure women are not devalued or denied opportunities, respect, and dignity.
Somali women deserve to participate in all aspects of life, they should be scientists, politicians, entrepreneurs, educators, social and political activists, engineers, doctors, technicians, and succeed in every profession and leadership role. Somali women are not less intelligent or capable than men; many are even more skilled, yet, conservative traditions, outdated societal expectations, and systemic barriers hold them back. Economic, professional, and social empowerment is essential to allow women to realize their full potential.
Domestic abuse is a form of mental and intellectual slavery, designed to instill subservience and undermine women’s sense of self-worth. Marriage should be grounded in love, mutual respect, and shared responsibility not hierarchy, while roles within relationships may naturally differ, these differences do not justify dominance or oppression.
For centuries, Somali society has clung to tradition, using cultural norms to restrict women’s freedoms. Practices and expectations rooted in history are often treated as immutable, but they have long been used to maintain male dominance in family, work, and public life. Women’s ambitions are frequently undervalued, and traditionalists argue that their place is “inside the home,” even when capable of contributing at the highest levels of society, this rigid adherence to tradition reinforces inequality and suppresses potential.
Religious leaders have also played a role in perpetuating patriarchy, often for political reasons by interpreting religious texts to favor male authority, they consolidate social and political power while discouraging women’s independence. Their influence extends to legislation, education, and social norms, reinforcing the belief that women’s rights must remain secondary. Somali women therefore face dual pressures: cultural expectations and politically motivated religious authority.
This intertwining of tradition and religion makes the struggle for equality more complex. Feminists challenge not only cultural norms but also influential figures who benefit from maintaining male dominance. Advocating for equal rights, education, and empowerment, Somali feminists push back against centuries of control that shape family dynamics, professional opportunities, and societal attitudes, their fight is not only for legal recognition but for the cultural and political space to thrive as equals.
Islamic feminism provides a framework for reform. Scholars like Fatima Mernissi argue that patriarchal interpretations of Islamic texts have historically restricted women, yet the Qur’an emphasizes justice and dignity for all. Somali Islamic feminists leverage these teachings to advocate for equality in ways that resonate culturally, showing that reform and faith are compatible.
Patriarchy also constrains men. Expectations to suppress vulnerability, conform to narrow ideals of strength, and shoulder responsibilities alone limit men’s potential and emotional well-being. As Bell Hooks notes in The Will to Change: “Patriarchy hurts men as much as women, but in different ways.” Expanding equality offers men freedom, the freedom to share responsibilities, express emotions, and build healthier relationships.
Even within marriage, systemic inequities often persist. Ideal partnerships rely on love and shared responsibility, but unequal expectations frequently place the burden on women. True partnership does not require identical roles but demands equal dignity, respect, and voice, relationships cannot thrive when one partner consistently outweighs the other.
Somalia’s path toward equality is complex. Not all barriers come from men; communities themselves reinforce outdated traditions and social pressures that limit women’s aspirations. Effective advocacy emphasizes inclusion, justice, and shared progress rather than conflict.
The stakes are high. A society that limits half its population cannot reach its potential, conversely, embracing equality can unlock economic growth, political legitimacy, and social cohesion. As Malala Yousafzai said, “We cannot all succeed when half of us are held back.” In Somalia, the question is no longer whether women should participate, it is whether the country can afford not to.
Feminism in Somalia is not a women’s issue; it is a human issue, it is about envisioning a society where opportunity is not defined by gender, where justice is impartial, and coexistence is built on mutual respect. Patriarchy may have been the default, but it does not have to define the future.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025, marks a transition from episodic rivalries to a structured competition over the Red Sea’s security architecture. This diplomatic move provides Israel with vital strategic depth to counter Houthi threats and Iranian influence, though it simultaneously risks creating new frontline vulnerabilities. The recognition has solidified a “Berbera Axis” (Israel-UAE-Ethiopia) centered on port access and maritime monitoring, which is now directly countered by a « Mogadishu Axis » (Somalia-Turkey-Egypt-Saudi Arabia) defending Somali sovereignty. Today, regional stability and Somalia’s formal sovereignty appear to outweigh the strategic advantages of diplomatic recognition. The near-term future of the territory will likely be defined not by a cascade of diplomatic breakthroughs, but by a phase of « calibrated ambiguity”. In this environment, practical influence, maritime access, and security cooperation will carry far more weight than formal declarations of statehood.
Introduction
The recognition of Somaliland by Israel on December 26, 2025, marks a shift in the strategic landscape of the Horn of Africa. Rather than a move of immediate diplomatic utility, it is a strategic inflection point, signalling a transition from episodic rivalries to structured competition over the security architecture of the Red Sea. Its importance lies less in the legal act of recognition than in the strategic environment in which it occurs, driven by a logic of operational positioning. The Horn of Africa is no longer a peripheral theatre but has become a central junction where Middle East, Africa and global power competitions intersect. By formalising ties with Somaliland, Israel seeks strategic depth in a maritime system defined by Houthi attacks and the near blockade of the Suez Canal for Israel-flagged cargo. Israel’s move confirms that the Red Sea increasingly shifted from a commercial corridor into an integrated security continuum.
From the Israeli perspective, this move is a cornerstone of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s strategic pivot to Africa. By increasingly prioritizing the continent as a diplomatic and security arena, Israel seeks to expand its support within international institutions and counter Iranian influence along vital maritime corridors. However, this recognition also reflects Netanyahu’s need for legitimacy. As Netanyahu faces significant diplomatic isolation since the war in Gaza, the recognition serves as a relatively low-cost manoeuvre to project continued statecraft capacity and regional relevance. Somaliland offers a level of geography, reliability, flexibility and manoeuvrability that is currently difficult to find elsewhere. Its unrecognised status allows Israel to establish a foothold without the full baggage of conventional state-to-state constraints. As Somalia takes its seat on the African Union Peace and Security Council in February 2026, the region enters a volatile phase marked by intensified competitive geopolitics in the Horn of Africa.
