MOGADISHU: A report by Russian state outlet RT has suggested that the United Arab Emirates could become one of the first Muslim nations to formally recognize Somaliland, as diplomatic discussions continue. The report indicated that recognition might mirror steps previously taken by Israel, should current diplomatic initiatives succeed. The UAE has made no official statement on the matter, but RT emphasized growing international attention to Somaliland’s strategic significance, particularly its location along vital maritime routes near the Red Sea, an area of increasing global security and trade importance.
The report further noted that Somaliland is gradually enhancing its geopolitical standing in the Horn of Africa as international actors search for reliable partners in a region facing complex security and economic challenges. It argued that Somaliland’s stability, functional institutions, and command of an important maritime corridor make it a plausible candidate for recognition. In this context, the shift would be less about symbolic acknowledgment and more about geopolitical reality, with Somaliland’s governance performance making it progressively harder for international entities to ignore its status, according to the report.
Separately, sources within the Somali federal government have alleged that the UAE has launched a diplomatic initiative encouraging four additional countries to recognize Somaliland. According to these unnamed officials, Emirati officials are engaging with Eswatini, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, and Zambia to extend formal recognition to the breakaway region. The sources claimed that such recognitions could materialize ahead of May 18, a date of symbolic importance for Somaliland, which marks the anniversary of its self-declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
According to the Somali government sources, Eswatini and Argentina are considered the two countries most likely to move toward recognition, although no official decisions have been announced by any of the named governments. Eswatini, the only African country that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, reportedly has been encouraged by the UAE to view Somaliland through a similar diplomatic framework as Taiwan. The sources further alleged that the UAE has offered financial incentives to Eswatini in exchange for recognition, though no specific figures or agreements have been disclosed. Argentina is also being closely monitored by Mogadishu due to its political alignment under President Javier Milei, described as a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who became the first world leader to recognize Somaliland last year.
The Somali government sources expressed skepticism about Zambia proceeding with recognition, given its membership in the African Union, which maintains a firm position against altering colonial-era borders. The Dominican Republic has not publicly commented on the matter. The UAE government has not issued any public response to the allegations.
Somalia’s Position and Regional Reactions
The Federal Government of Somalia continues to regard Somaliland as an integral part of its sovereign territory and has consistently rejected any attempts at international recognition, arguing that such actions violate Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity, and sovereignty. Mogadishu has previously condemned similar moves, including the Ethiopia-Somaliland memorandum of understanding in January 2024, as a violation of international law.
When Israel recognized Somaliland in December 2025, Somalia condemned the move in strong terms. Israel became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland, prompting sharp criticism from Mogadishu and several international partners. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has stated that unilateral recognition efforts do not serve the interests of Somalia or broader regional stability in the Horn of Africa. China and Egypt have also publicly criticized Israel’s recognition.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government in Mogadishu. Although it has not received widespread international recognition, the region has maintained its own governing institutions, security forces, currency, and conducts regular elections. The UAE has maintained close ties with Somaliland, including DP World’s investment in the Port of Berbera, and has received Somaliland officials with elevated protocol on multiple occasions.
As of now, none of the governments named in the report — Eswatini, Argentina, the Dominican Republic, or Zambia — have publicly confirmed any formal decision regarding recognition of Somaliland. The UAE government has also not issued a public response to the allegations. The situation remains fluid, reflecting the broader geopolitical contest for influence in the Horn of Africa, where strategic interests involving Gulf states, African Union members, and global powers continue to shape evolving diplomatic alignments.
