Somaliland has reentered the global spotlight after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region as an independent state, a move that could reshape Horn of Africa geopolitics. Sitting at the crossroads of the Red Sea and Indian Ocean, Somaliland’s Berbera port overlooks one of the world’s busiest—and increasingly volatile—shipping lanes. That location has drawn interest from powers concerned about trade security, counterterrorism, and regional influence, especially amid Houthi attacks on maritime traffic in the region. Ethiopia, the UAE, and possibly others are weighing recognition, each driven by strategic and economic calculations. While Somalia fiercely opposes these moves, Somaliland’s growing list of suitors underscores how geography can turn long-standing disputes into global strategic contests.
Reuters
