The President of the Republic of Djibouti, Ismail Omar Guelleh, has strongly opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland and the possibility of an Israeli military base in Berbera, describing it as a threat to regional stability.
In an interview with the newspaper Jeune Afrique, President Guelleh said that Israel’s aim is to exploit Somaliland’s territory, expressing concern that Somaliland may accept anything it sees as a way to gain official recognition.
When asked about reports of a possible Israeli military base in Berbera, he replied: “That is the biggest concern.”
President Guelleh also leveled accusations at the United Arab Emirates, saying that the UAE is Israel’s front in the region and is playing a role in the strategic shifts taking place in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea. He argued that the UAE is involved in conflicts in countries such as Yemen, Sudan, Somalia, Chad and Libya.
Speaking about the interests of the Red Sea, the President of Djibouti noted that his country works closely with Saudi Arabia and has provided a military base, which reflects Djibouti’s strategic role in the international waterway.
Meanwhile, President Guelleh spoke openly about the relations between Djibouti and Somaliland, especially with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi Cirro. He said that the relations between the two sides are cold, and Djibouti has refused to meet or speak with President Cirro. Although the borders are open, he noted that flights between Djibouti and Hargeisa have been suspended.
President Ismail Omar Guelleh described the vision of the Somaliland leadership over the past 34 years as one based on gaining recognition at any cost, arguing that this could threaten the stability of the region and the unity of Somalia. The government of Djibouti is among the countries that strongly opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity, African Union rules, and international law.
