Somaliland recognition prompts celebrations and condemnation

PEOPLE gathered in several towns in the breakaway region of Somaliland at the weekend to celebrate its recognition by Israel - a decision condemned by the Somali president as a “threat” to stability in the Horn of Africa.

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Israel announced last week it was officially recognising Somaliland, a first for the self-proclaimed republic that in 1991 declared it had unilaterally separated from Somalia.

At the weekend, the leader of the Houthis warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a “military target”.

Somaliland, which has for decades pushed for international recognition, enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passport and army.

Thousands of people thronged a stadium in the capital Hargeisa, where many dressed in the green, white and red colours of Somaliland’s flag.

“Victory for Somaliland!” they chanted.

The flag was hoisted alongside that of Israel in a ceremony broadcast live by Somaliland television stations.