Somalia

Nadifa Mohamed’s novel and Israel’s recognition of Somaliland show why acknowledging marginalized lives is a matter of justice.

Recognizing Somaliland would establish three principles the international order is not yet prepared to tolerate: performance matters, secession can stabilize, and colonial borders are not sacred.

Israel broke a diplomatic taboo by recognizing Somaliland and triggered a predictable storm of outrage and conspiracy theories.

This recognition is not an act of aggression but a pragmatic masterstroke that exposes a broken status quo, and it is a move that the United States and responsible African powers should support.

Israel’s recognition this week of Somaliland – a self-declared country in northeast Africa – is part of a time-honored legacy with its fair share of foresight and risk.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland exposes global hypocrisy, rejecting a stable ally at a strategic chokepoint while rewarding terror and dysfunction elsewhere.

Last week, Israel became the first country to recognize the independence of Somaliland, angering international powers who bemoaned the move at the United Nations Security Council.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland reflects the Abraham Accords’ focus on survival, stability, and strategic cooperation, not sentiment.

"It is not a hostile step toward Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity,” said Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador.

Israel recognized Somaliland after decades of patience and Africa can no longer afford to look away.