EFF Warns Against Destabilizing Horn of Africa: Israel Recognizes Somaliland
Pretoria – The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, calling it a dangerous move that threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity and could spark wider unrest in the Horn of Africa. In a statement released on Sunday, 28 December 2025, the party described the recognition as part of Israel’s broader plan to expand its influence on the continent while undermining nations that oppose its actions in Palestine.
This announcement, which makes Israel the first country to formally acknowledge Somaliland’s statehood, has drawn sharp criticism from global leaders, regional bodies, and communities, highlighting deep tensions over sovereignty, security, and international law. As celebrations erupt in Somaliland and condemnations pour in from Somalia and its allies, many worry about the ripple effects on peace in a region already facing conflicts and rivalries.
Somaliland, a breakaway region in northern Somalia, has run its own affairs since declaring independence in 1991 after a brutal civil war. While it has built a stable government with its own currency, army, and elections, no country had recognised it until Israel’s bold step. This move comes amid growing geopolitical games in the Horn of Africa, where control over key sea routes and ports could shift power balances. For ordinary people in the area, from fishermen to farmers, such changes could mean more instability, affecting trade, aid, and daily life.
The EFF’s Strong Condemnation: Linking to Broader Geopolitics
The EFF did not hold back in its response, framing Israel’s action as a direct attack on African unity and sovereignty. “Israel has pronounced its recognition of “Somaliland” as part of its efforts to encircle nations which are not only opposed to its genocide of Palestinians but equally, Israel is in search of a nation where it will resettle the Palestinian population following its genocide and recent pronouncement of the annexation of 19 new settlements on the West Bank,” the party stated.
They went further, saying the recognition aims to give Israel a foothold in the Horn of Africa for political, economic, and trade gains. The EFF also tied it to efforts to weaken Somalia’s role on the world stage, especially its upcoming presidency of the United Nations Security Council in 2026. “The so-called Somaliland will give Israel a political, economic and trade footing in the Horn of Africa and further seeks to undermine Somalia’s Presidency of the UN Security Council in 2026,” the statement added.
The party accused the United States and Israel of a pattern of undermining African-led international bodies, pointing to recent US actions during South Africa’s G20 presidency. They called it “imperialism and racism” that suggests Africa is not fit to lead global institutions. “It began with the US undermining South Africa’s Presidency of the G20, and now the latest move by Israel to recognise the statehood of Somaliland in order to legitimate secession in Somalia, seeks to undermine Somalia’s tenure as President of the UN Security Council,” the EFF explained.
This stance aligns with the EFF’s long-held views on Palestine, where they have criticised Israel’s policies as genocidal, especially after the conflict that has claimed over 71,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023, mostly women and children. For the EFF, this recognition is not just about Somalia but part of a bigger fight against what they see as Western and Israeli dominance in Africa.
Background on Somaliland: A Long Quest for Independence
To understand the fuss, it helps to know Somaliland’s story. Once part of British Somaliland, it joined Italian Somaliland in 1960 to form modern Somalia. But after years of neglect and a devastating civil war in the 1980s and 1990s under dictator Siad Barre, clans in the north broke away in 1991. Since then, Somaliland has held peaceful elections, built schools and hospitals, and kept relative peace compared to the chaos in southern Somalia, where groups like Al-Shabaab still cause trouble.
Despite this, Somaliland lacks international recognition, meaning no embassies, limited aid, and blocked trade deals. Its people, about 6 million strong, rely on livestock farming, fishing, and remittances from abroad. The capital, Hargeisa, buzzes with markets and universities, but without full statehood, growth is slow. Recognition from Israel could open doors to investment and alliances, but it risks angering Somalia, which sees Somaliland as part of its territory under the 1960 union.
Recent events add layers. In January 2024, Somaliland signed a deal with Ethiopia for sea access to the Berbera port in exchange for possible recognition, sparking protests in Somalia. Now, Israel’s move could fuel more deals, but at the cost of regional ties.
Israel’s Strategic Move: Eyes on the Red Sea
Israel announced the recognition on 27 December 2025, framing it as part of the Abraham Accords – peace deals with several Arab and Muslim nations. In return, Somaliland agreed to join the accords and set up full diplomatic ties, including embassies. This gives Israel its first foothold in the Horn of Africa, a spot just 250-400 km from Yemen, where Houthi rebels backed by Iran have attacked ships in the Red Sea.
For Israel, this means better defence against threats disrupting global trade routes. Somaliland’s Berbera port, a key hub for goods, could host Israeli interests, from trade to military outposts. Amid the fragile ceasefire in Gaza starting 10 October 2025, Israel seeks allies to counter Iran and secure its borders. But critics, like the EFF, see it as expansionism, especially with claims of resettling Palestinians – a sensitive issue after years of conflict.
Online, reactions are mixed. Some South Africans praise the EFF for standing with Somalia, while others question why a distant issue matters. In Somaliland, crowds celebrated in the streets, waving flags and chanting for freedom. But in Mogadishu, Somalia’s capital, leaders called it a “violation” of their sovereignty.
International Backlash: From Africa to the UN
The backlash was swift and widespread. Somalia’s president condemned the move, and the federal parliament passed a resolution calling any recognition of Somaliland “unlawful” and a threat to unity. They urged the world to ignore it and stand with Somalia’s borders.
Twenty-one Arab, Islamic, and African states issued a joint statement rejecting the decision “in the strongest terms,” saying it breaks international law and the UN Charter by ignoring state sovereignty. They warned of “serious repercussions” for peace in the region.
Regional groups piled on. The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which includes Somalia, stressed that unilateral recognition goes against the UN Charter, African Union rules, and IGAD agreements. African Union Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said it risks stability across the continent and firmly rejects any push to see Somaliland as separate.
The United Nations Security Council called an emergency meeting for Monday evening, 29 December 2025, under the topic “Threats to international peace and security.” This shows how the issue could escalate, drawing in big powers worried about Red Sea shipping and African unity.
Implications for the Horn of Africa: Risks and Hopes
This recognition could shake up the Horn of Africa, a hotspot for droughts, conflicts, and migrations. Somalia, still rebuilding after decades of war, fears it encourages more breakaways, weakening its hold. Tensions with Ethiopia over the port deal already simmer, and Israel’s involvement might pull in Middle East rivals like Iran or Turkey, who back Somalia.
On the flip side, Somaliland hopes for more recognitions, leading to aid, investment, and growth. Its stable setup could become a model, but without talks with Somalia, peace might suffer. For Africa, it tests the African Union’s rule against changing colonial borders, set to avoid endless disputes.
In South Africa, the EFF’s voice adds to debates on foreign policy, urging support for African solidarity over outside influences. As the UN meets, eyes are on whether this sparks dialogue or deeper divides. Updates from the session could shape what happens next, but for now, the warning is clear: Moves like this could destabilise a fragile region.
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