"Thousands gathered in the capital Hargeisa on Monday for a military parade and traditional dances. Excitement was heightened after Israel's decision in December to recognise Somaliland's independence the first country to do so since autonomy from Somalia was declared in 1991. Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi told the crowd. The question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether we deserve recognition, but when."
"Somaliland's leaders say the territory's stability, relative democracy and location on the Gulf of Aden close to key shipping lanes and conflict-torn Yemen make it a strategic military and trading hub. They had hoped other partners, including the United States, United Arab Emirates and Ethiopia, would follow Israel's lead, but recognition has not yet broadened. Secession remains highly contentious."
"The African Union and many international partners oppose formal recognition, fearing it could embolden other separatist movements on the continent. Israel's move has also divided opinion inside Somaliland, and it almost entirely Muslim population. Some in the heartland have embraced the new relationship, with Israeli flags appearing in homes and businesses. Others view the alliance with deep suspicion, especially as Israel continues its war on Gaza."
"Local activists say dozens of people including religious scholars and young men carrying Palestinian flags have been arrested during protests against the new ties. Somaliland also does not fully control the territory it claims. The newly formed North East State of Somalia says some eastern areas fall under its auth"
Thousands gathered in Hargeisa for a military parade and traditional dances marking Somaliland’s first year of independence after Israel recognized it in December. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Somaliland has met requirements for a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding, democratic nation and asked when recognition will come. Leaders describe the territory’s stability, relative democracy, and location near the Gulf of Aden and shipping lanes close to Yemen as making it a strategic military and trading hub. Other partners have not followed, and the African Union and many international actors oppose recognition due to concerns about encouraging separatism. Opinion inside Somaliland is divided, with some embracing Israeli ties and others protesting arrests tied to opposition, including religious scholars and young men carrying Palestinian flags. Somaliland also lacks full control of all claimed areas, with the newly formed North East State of Somalia asserting authority over parts of the east.
Read at www.aljazeera.com
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