Saturday January 24, 2026
A regional affairs expert said Arab and regional powers are unlikely to allow Israel to establish influence in Somalia, despite what he described as Israeli attempts to expand its presence in the Horn of Africa.
Ali Bakr, Professor of International Affairs, Security, and Defence at Qatar University, told the Novosti news agency that Israel has been seeking to penetrate the Horn of Africa since 2023, adding that its recognition of Somaliland fits within this broader strategy. However, he argued that such efforts face significant obstacles.
He noted that major regional powers already maintain deep political, military, and economic interests in Somalia. “Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Egypt all have military bases in Somalia, in addition to long-term strategic interests,” he said, adding that Turkey in particular has made substantial investments in the country.
Bakr stressed that the Horn of Africa holds special strategic importance for Egypt, especially amid tensions related to Ethiopia. He explained that any potential Israeli-Ethiopian cooperation in Somaliland could strengthen Addis Ababa’s regional position in a way that conflicts with Egyptian interests. “For this reason,” he said, “it is unlikely that Israel’s plans to establish influence in this area will succeed.”
The remarks come after Israel announced in late December its official recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared autonomous region in northern Somalia, and signed a mutual declaration of recognition with its authorities.
The move was strongly rejected by the Somali federal government, which described it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty. The Arab League and the African Union also backed Somalia’s position, reaffirming their support for the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
