Somaliland’s recent diplomatic visit to Israel is indicative of the increased international status of Somaliland and its new constructive involvement in the Horn of Africa following the recognition of Somaliland by Israel with a letter of authority confirming their recognition on the 3rd January 2020 from Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.
Last May was Recognition Day for Somaliland which kicked off a bilateral process of engagement between both countries and set the tone for a cooperative future together.
Earlier this year an official invitation to Somaliland was sent from Benjamin Netanyahu to President Cirro in recognition of the record of peace, democracy, and responsible regional outreach that Somaliland has established over the years. The invitation was formally presented by Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister to President Cirro and his team while in Somaliland. The visit further reinforces the engagement process between both countries and reinforces Israel’s confidence in Somaliland as a viable partner and as a force for stability in the Horn of Africa.
Developing and Shared Prosperity Focused on Cooperation
Throughout the visit, discussions took place on developing practical investments and cooperation with the goal of directly benefiting both Somaliland and the larger Horn of Africa Region. The areas of cooperation that are identified as priority areas for development include: Technology and Innovation; Agriculture; Water Resources Management and; Healthcare. These are all key sectors to continue sustained economic growth and social development throughout the Horn of Africa Region.
Somaliland is working with Israeli experts on Climate-Smart Agricultural Developments, Irrigation Techniques; Desalination Technologies, and Digital Health Solutions which synchronizes with Somaliland’s current Development Strategy. The leaders recognized the opportunity to work together to create greater opportunities to transfer knowledge and share in growth through capacity building and joint ventures that will ultimately create the mechanisms necessary to build greater food security, access to clean water, improve public health, and support YouthLed Innovation Ecosystems throughout the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland’s Path to Recognition
Somaliland’s pathway to recognition is rooted in its history. Somaliland was formally known as “British Somaliland” and achieved independence on 26 June 1960. Following gaining independence, Somaliland entered a volitional Union with “Italian administered” south Somalia. During this time, the Northern Region (Somaliland) became marginalized and served to create Conflict since the Union was not equitable in its governance delivery.
Following the Collapse of the Somali State, Somaliland proclaimed itself independent again in 1991.
Over thirty years, Somaliland has created functioning institutions, conducted several peaceful elections, maintained security in the region and has taken care of itself through the creation of its Constitution, the establishment of government services, and the establishment of its own armed forces and police. Recognition of Somaliland by Israel and the Presidential visit will allow Somaliland to have more interaction and engagement with Israel, thus creating a partnership that can help Somaliland and Africa.
Positive Impact on the Horn of Africa.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the Presidential visit are widely viewed as positive for the entire Horn of Africa Region. By engaging and developing relationships with Somaliland, Israel and its partners are developing a more stable and reform-minded government that will aid in developing trade and connectivity within the Red Sea Corridor and improve cooperativity throughout the entire region.
The visit by the President to Somaliland will create a new platform for Somaliland to diplomatically achieve recognition, to develop and attract foreign investment and develop further partnerships that will continue to enhance Somaliland’s role as a stabilizing and progressive force throughout Africa.
