By Paul Joseph
The self-declared Republic of Somaliland on Monday marked its 35th Independence Day anniversary with military parades, cultural displays and renewed calls for international recognition, months after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the territory as an independent state.
Thousands of residents gathered in the capital, Hargeisa, as armed forces marched through the streets alongside armored vehicles during celebrations commemorating Somaliland’s 1991 breakaway from Somalia.
Speaking during the event, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi declared that the territory had proven itself to be a peaceful and democratic state deserving of global recognition.
“Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation,” Abdullahi told supporters during the ceremony.
The anniversary celebrations carried added political significance following Israel’s decision in December 2025 to formally recognize Somaliland — a move that altered regional diplomatic calculations in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland authorities argue that the territory’s relative stability, democratic structure and strategic position along the Gulf of Aden make it an important military and commercial hub. Officials have also expressed hope that countries including the United States, Ethiopia and the United Arab Emirates may eventually follow Israel’s lead.
Despite the diplomatic breakthrough, Somaliland’s recognition remains highly controversial across Africa and the wider international community. The African Union and several governments continue to oppose Somaliland’s formal independence from Somalia over fears it could encourage separatist movements elsewhere on the continent.
The growing relationship with Israel has also triggered internal tensions within Somaliland’s largely Muslim population. While some residents welcomed the partnership and displayed Israeli flags in homes and businesses, others criticized the alliance amid continuing Israeli military operations in Gaza.
Reports from local activists indicated that several protesters, including religious clerics and youths carrying Palestinian flags, were allegedly arrested during demonstrations against the new diplomatic ties.
Tensions also remain high in eastern Somaliland territories claimed by the newly formed North East State of Somalia. The disputed region previously witnessed violent clashes between Somaliland forces and local clan fighters in 2023, leading to widespread destruction and displacement.
According to rights group Amnesty International, hundreds — and possibly thousands — were killed or injured during the fighting, while nearly 200,000 people were displaced from their homes.
A lawmaker from Las Anod, Ahmed Ali Shire, warned that foreign involvement in Somaliland could reignite instability in the region.
“The conflict will reignite,” he cautioned, accusing external actors of worsening long-standing tensions in Somalia.
Some residents in Hargeisa also expressed fears that Israel’s involvement could damage Somaliland’s broader international image and expose the territory to security threats from Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels, who have reportedly threatened retaliation if Israel establishes a military presence there.
Among dignitaries present during the celebrations were former British Defence Minister Gavin Williamson, representatives from the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Kenya and Taiwan.
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