Former Somali Foreign Minister warns of geopolitical Implications of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Former Somali Foreign Minister Abdisaid Muse Ali has warned that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland extends beyond Somalia’s territorial dispute and could have broader geopolitical consequences for the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

In a statement shared on social media, Abdisaid argued that the move introduces a new geopolitical dynamic into one of the world’s most strategically important corridors, linking Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.

He noted that the Bab el-Mandab Strait is not only a critical shipping and energy route but also a key hub for global digital infrastructure. According to the former minister, a significant share of Europe–Asia communications and global internet traffic passes through submarine cables located in the waters of the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden.

Abdisaid cautioned that increased external involvement in Somalia’s unresolved political issues could transform the region from a strategic transit corridor into an arena of geopolitical competition. He said such developments could have implications extending far beyond Somalia and the Horn of Africa.

“The costs would not stop at the Red Sea,” he said, arguing that Africa’s digital future, Europe’s connectivity, and Asia’s commercial networks all depend on stability in the region.

The remarks come amid growing debate over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and its potential impact on regional politics, security, maritime trade routes, and international relations in the Horn of Africa.

The Federal Government of Somalia has repeatedly rejected any actions that it says undermine the country’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, while Somaliland continues to seek broader international recognition.

Mustaqbal