Somaliland Receives First International Recognition from Israel

Somaliland has secured its first international recognition, with Israel formally acknowledging the self-declared republic. This historic development marks a significant milestone for the nation, which has long sought international legitimacy.

The recognition came during a visit by Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who also inaugurated the country's first embassy in Israel. The move signifies a deepening relationship between the two nations and signals a potential shift in Somaliland's diplomatic standing.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated autonomously for decades, establishing its own government, currency, and security forces. Despite functioning as a de facto state, it has struggled to gain widespread international recognition.

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It was an exciting time, recalls Edna Adan, an 88-year-old woman with a sharp gaze and natural authority, behind her desk at the hospital that bears her name.

The article also delves into Somaliland's historical context, referencing its brief independence from Britain in June 1960, a period that serves as a key argument in its ongoing quest for recognition. The narrative includes reflections from Edna Adan, a prominent figure in Somaliland's history, who recalls the optimism of the independence era and the subsequent challenges.

Adan, a former Foreign Minister and a champion of public health initiatives, shares personal memories of the period leading up to independence and the broader pan-African aspirations of the time. Her insights provide a personal perspective on the nation's journey and its enduring fight for statehood.

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We used to march in Hyde Park Corner and protest against Belgium and the abuses carried out in their colony Congo. We had the feeling that the continent of Africa was now ours. On June 26, we queued up to hand in our British passports.