Somaliland in the Great Game

Somaliland, a self-declared nation in northwest Somalia, aspires to become a prominent player in the region. In a bid to gain international recognition and expand its diplomatic ties, the country recently established an embassy in Israel. This move came just a year after Israel recognized Somaliland, making it the first country to do so.

During his visit, Somaliland's president, known as Irro, met with Israeli officials, including the foreign minister and finance minister, and signed a strategic cooperation declaration. This declaration, however, remains undisclosed. Somaliland's leaders argue that their country presents a "stable island of stability," with elections held on a regular basis, despite the government's authoritarian tendencies.

The nation also emphasizes its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, which could potentially attract support from the US and Israel. Somaliland's push for recognition is seen as an attempt to break free from diplomatic isolation and counter Chinese influence in Africa. Conservative pro-Israel circles in the US, along with some influential figures in Israel, are backing Somaliland's cause, with Ted Cruz and Mike Evans openly advocating for Donald Trump to recognize the country.