Djibouti Warns Israeli Base in Somaliland Threatens Horn of Africa Peace

DJIBOUTI CITY, Djibouti — Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh has issued a sharp rebuke of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that the potential establishment of an Israeli military base in the strategic port city of Berbera poses a direct threat to regional stability.

In an expansive interview with Jeune Afrique, Guelleh accused Israel of exploiting Somaliland’s decades-long quest for statehood to secure a foothold in the Horn of Africa. He expressed deep concern that the authorities in Hargeisa might agree to any geopolitical concession in exchange for formal recognition.

"That is the primary concern," Guelleh said when asked about reports regarding a possible Israeli military installation in Berbera.

The veteran leader also leveled uncharacteristically blunt criticism at the United Arab Emirates, describing the Gulf nation as Israel's primary "gateway" into the region. Guelleh argued that the UAE is driving strategic shifts in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea that exacerbate existing conflicts. He further alleged Emirati involvement in destabilizing dynamics across Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Chad, and Libya.

While distancing Djibouti from Emirati influence, Guelleh reaffirmed his country’s close strategic alignment with Saudi Arabia. He noted that Djibouti continues to provide the Kingdom with military base access, underscoring Djibouti’s role as a gatekeeper for the vital international waterway.

Tensions have also visibly cooled between Djibouti and Somaliland’s new leadership. Guelleh characterized relations with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi "Irro" as "cold," revealing that his government has declined meetings or high-level dialogue with the new administration. While land borders remain open, commercial flights between Djibouti and Hargeisa have been suspended.

For 34 years, Guelleh argued, Somaliland’s leadership has pursued recognition "at any cost," a path he claims now endangers Somali unity and violates African Union principles and international law.

Djibouti remains among the most vocal opponents of Somaliland’s recent diplomatic maneuvers, maintaining that any recognition of the breakaway region undermines the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE