Today marks not just a diplomatic milestone, but the rekindling of a profound moral debt between two nations forged in struggle, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to survival against all odds.
When dictator Siad Barre unleashed genocide against the people of Somaliland in the 1980s—a systematic campaign of extermination that would claim over 200,000 lives and reduce our cities to rubble—the world turned its back. The international community remained silent as our people were slaughtered. Egypt and other regional powers actively armed Barre's killing machine, providing the weapons and support that fueled his homicidal campaign.
But one country refused to be complicit in that silence.
Israel stood alone in bringing Barre's atrocities before the United Nations Security Council. At a time when speaking up carried no strategic advantage and considerable diplomatic cost, Israel chose conscience over convenience. That act of moral courage in our darkest hour is seared into Somaliland's collective memory.
The UN, predictably, did nothing. For thirty-four years since, that sclerotic institution has denied Somaliland's right to exist while propping up the failed state of Somalia—more concerned with preserving colonial borders than protecting human lives or honoring democratic will. The UN is a dying dinosaur. We learned waiting for its recognition means waiting for permission that will never come.
Now, the circle closes—not through the UN's bureaucratic corridors, but through the courage of nations willing to recognize reality. Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government have demonstrated extraordinary moral courage by becoming the first nation on earth to grant the Republic of Somaliland the formal recognition we have earned through thirty-four years of democracy, stability, and peaceful self-determination. While the world has praised our achievements, only Israel has had the courage to translate words into action.
What makes this moment even more remarkable is President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi "Irro's" visionary leadership. His decision to seek Israeli recognition first represents courage reminiscent of Golda Meir's defiant declaration of Israeli statehood in 1948—choosing principle over waiting for permission from a cynical international order that has repeatedly failed us.
Israel and Somaliland share more than diplomatic interests—we share the sacred mantra of "Never Again." Both our peoples have endured genocidal persecution. Both understand that survival demands eternal vigilance and the courage to stand alone when necessary. Both have built vibrant democracies from the ashes of attempted annihilation. This bilateral relationship is not merely transactional—it is the beginning of a wonderful journey rooted in shared trauma, shared values, and shared determination that history will never repeat itself. This partnership will be written in the history books as the moment two nations who refused to be victims chose instead to be builders of a better future.
This partnership will deliver transformative dividends. Enhanced security cooperation will bolster our capacity to combat regional terrorism and piracy. Economic partnerships will unlock Israeli expertise in agriculture, water management, technology, and innovation. Somaliland possesses vast mineral resources including significant lithium deposits—critical for clean energy. Israeli technology and investment can help responsibly develop these resources, transforming Somaliland into a key player in the global supply chain.
This recognition demonstrates a powerful truth: nations built on principle rather than convenience will always find each other. Israel and Somaliland have both fought for every inch of their existence, built democracy where others predicted chaos, and refuse to apologize for their right to exist—or wait for bureaucrats in New York to grant permission for what we have already achieved.
Somaliland and Israel stood together when it mattered most. Now, we build the future together—as equals, as partners, and as proof that doing what is right prevails over waiting for what is convenient. The age of asking permission is over. The age of partnership between free nations begins now.
Saeed Ibrahim is the Founder and Editor of the Somaliland Chronicle.
