In a Dec. 29 letter, the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations welcomed Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland, calling the move a strategic “milestone” with regional and global implications.
In the statement, Betsy Berns Korn and William Daroff, chair and CEO, respectively, said the organization congratulates “the government of Israel on its historic recognition of Somaliland,” adding that the step “opens meaningful opportunities to deepen long-term economic partnership, advance sustainable development, and strengthen security and defense cooperation in the strategically vital Red Sea region.”
Somaliland, a self-governing territory in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained relative stability, its own democratic institutions and independent security forces, though it is not widely recognized internationally.
The Conference of Presidents noted that Israel’s recognition “highlights Somaliland’s demonstrated contributions to counterterrorism and maritime security.” According to the statement, “these efforts strengthen not only Israel’s security, but also the security interests of the United States and its allies.”
The organization encouraged allies to “take note of the strategic implications and opportunities this partnership presents.”
