Why in news: Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, is not recognised by the UN or most countries but has operated with de facto autonomy since 1991. This development has implications for regional stability, maritime security, and great power competition in the Red Sea–Indian Ocean corridor.
About Somaliland
Historical Background:
oFormerly the British Somaliland Protectorate, it gained brief independence in 1960 as the State of Somaliland.
oIt voluntarily merged with Italian Somaliland to form Somalia, but declared independence in 1991 after the fall of Siad Barre’s regime, amid large-scale human rights abuses against the Isaaq clan.
Autonomy:
oMaintains its own currency, passports, police, and capital (Hargeisa).
oFunctions as a self-governing state but lacks international recognition until Israel’s recent move.
Strategic Significance
Location:
oSituated in the Horn of Africa, bordering Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, and Somalia.
oOverlooks the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, connecting the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean—a critical global shipping route.
Security & Military Dimensions:
oIsrael gains a forward strategic base for intelligence, logistics, and counter-Houthi operations.
oPotential for military and intelligence collaboration with Somaliland.
oUAE presence: Military port and airstrip in Berbera enhance regional strategic depth.
oPossible use as a resettlement location for Palestinians, reflecting Israel’s geopolitical outreach in Africa.
IAS-2026 - OPTIONAL / GEOGRAPHY / PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION / SOCIOLOGY / ANTHROPOLOGY / ORIENTATION ON 03 & 04-10-2025 
