Somalia has levelled a serious accusation against Israel, alleging a covert plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the breakaway region of Somaliland. The claim, described as a grave breach of international law, has escalated diplomatic tensions in the volatile Horn of Africa.
Somalia's Allegations and Israel's Denial
Somalia's Defence Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, stated in an interview with Al Jazeera on Saturday that his government possesses "confirmed information" about the Israeli strategy. He asserted that Israel's recent recognition of Somaliland's independence is intrinsically linked to this alleged resettlement plan, calling it a "direct attack" on Somalia's sovereignty. Fiqi urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse the recognition decision.
However, both Israel and Somaliland authorities have firmly rejected these allegations. Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, explicitly stated last week that the forced displacement of Palestinians to Somaliland "was not part of our agreement." Speaking to Israel's Channel 14, Saar clarified that bilateral discussions with Somaliland focus on politics, security, and development, not population transfer.
Regional Repercussions and Broader Concerns
The controversy stems from Israel's landmark decision in December to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first country to do so. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but remains unrecognised by the United Nations and the international community. The full terms of Israel's recognition have not been publicly disclosed.
Somalia's President, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, had earlier claimed that Somaliland agreed to three Israeli conditions, which he listed as:
- Resettlement of Palestinians.
- Establishment of an Israeli military base on the Gulf of Aden coast.
- Joining the Abraham Accords.
Defence Minister Fiqi echoed these worries, accusing Israel of a wider strategy to fragment states in the region. He further alleged that Israel seeks a military base near the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a vital maritime chokepoint. While a Somaliland official acknowledged discussions on a potential Israeli base were ongoing, earlier official statements had denied such talks.
Growing International Condemnation
The issue has ignited a strong regional and international response. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held an extraordinary summit on Saturday, condemning Israel's recognition of Somaliland and reaffirming support for Palestine. Meanwhile, Houthi leaders in Yemen have warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be considered a military threat.
Israel's move has triggered staunch opposition not only from Somalia but also from the African Union and several regional powers, further complicating the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa. The allegations of Palestinian relocation, though denied, have added a highly charged dimension to an already sensitive diplomatic rift.
