Israeli Security Experts Highlight Somaliland’s Strategic Value in the Red Sea Corridor
Hargeisa (SLpost)- Two prominent Israeli researchers have published a new policy paper arguing that Somaliland could play a pivotal role in strengthening security, economic cooperation, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea.
The researchers argues that Somaliland’s strategic location, political stability, and democratic governance make it a potential key partner for Israel, the United States, and Africa in strengthening security and economic cooperation across the Red Sea region.
The paper, titled “The Red Sea Frontier: Why Somaliland Matters to Israel, America, and Africa,” was authored by Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Ben Avraham, who leads a religious school in Jerusalem and Dr. Habtom Ghebrezghiabher, an expert on geopolitical and security dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. The paper was published by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA).
The authors describe Somaliland as a stable and self-reliant democracy that has developed functioning state institutions despite lacking international recognition. They argue that Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, combined with the Port of Berbera, positions it as an important partner in safeguarding one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
According to the paper, growing security threats in the Red Sea– including attacks on commercial shipping by Iran-backed Houthi forces – underscore the need for a new regional security framework. The authors propose closer cooperation among Israel, Somaliland, Ethiopia, and other regional partners to strengthen maritime security, intelligence sharing, and economic integration.
Beyond security, the study advocates expanding economic partnerships through investment in Somaliland’s Berbera Economic Zone and promoting collaboration in technology, infrastructure, education, and innovation. It also proposes stronger people-to-people ties between Somaliland and the African-American community through entrepreneurship, academic exchanges, and media cooperation.
The researchers conclude that a partnership linking Somaliland, Israel, and the United States could provide a new model for regional engagement by combining security cooperation with economic development and civic partnerships. They argue that such an approach could contribute to long-term stability and prosperity across the Horn of Africa while enhancing the security of the Red Sea corridor.
The publication adds to the growing international debate over Somaliland’s strategic significance, particularly as global attention increasingly focuses on maritime security and geopolitical competition in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.
Reporting by Somalilandpost News
