It is within this context that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on 26th December 2025 should be analysed. Somaliland is a self-governing territory that has operated in a state of de facto independence since 1991, without a single UN member’s recognition – save Israel since the end of last year. The latter claims sovereignty over Somaliland while battling the insurgency of the al-Shabaab terrorist group[iv], still estimated to control 30% of Somalia’s territory. Somaliland matters because Yemen matters. And Yemen matters because Iran remains active.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 12, 2026 19:46 UTC