Somaliland Offers 2,000 Troops for Gaza Stabilization Force
The self-declared state of Somaliland is prepared to contribute up to 2,000 soldiers to an envisioned international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip, according to its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Speaking at the MEAD conference, Abdullahi stated that his country would provide troops if requested, clarifying that they are not volunteering but are ready to deploy if asked. This U.S.-led force is expected to comprise around 20,000 military personnel tasked with ensuring security in Gaza, training Palestinian police, facilitating humanitarian aid, and preventing Hamas from regaining military control.
Somaliland's offer follows similar commitments from Uganda, which plans to send approximately 1,200 soldiers, and Morocco, pledging up to 500. Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also agreed to participate. Somaliland's president noted that his nation possesses an army of roughly 25,000 soldiers and 1,500 coast guards, though it has not previously contributed troops to African Union forces.
Israel officially recognized Somaliland's independence, declared in 1991 but unrecognized by Somalia, in December 2025. Somaliland subsequently opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June. President Abdullahi highlighted this recognition as a significant boost to his country's international profile and is scheduled to meet with U.S. Congress members to discuss potential American recognition and security cooperation.
Abdullahi also expressed Somaliland's need for advanced weaponry and technology to counter Somalia's military buildup, which he claims is supported by Turkey. He denied any discussions about Israel using Somaliland territory or airspace for operations against the Houthis in Yemen, and also refuted reports that his government agreed to host Gaza Palestinians as part of its rapprochement with Israel. He emphasized that any cooperation agreement with Israel, signed with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, focuses on security, trade, investment, and economic development, with Somaliland particularly interested in Israeli water technologies.
