Somaliland President Offers Troops for Gaza Stabilization Force

The President of Somaliland, Abdillahi Mohamed Ali, has stated that his country is prepared to send up to 2,000 soldiers to join a planned international stabilization force in the Gaza Strip. In an interview with The Jerusalem Post on the sidelines of the MEAD conference, President Ali clarified that Somaliland awaits a formal request from either Israel or the United States before committing troops. "If they ask, we can provide soldiers," he said, emphasizing that Somaliland is not proactively offering to join but is ready if requested. The proposed international force is expected to comprise approximately 20,000 soldiers tasked with maintaining security in Gaza, training Palestinian police, facilitating humanitarian aid, and preventing Hamas from regaining military control.

Somaliland's offer comes amid strengthening ties with Israel, which officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state in December, a move not yet mirrored by any other nation. Somaliland declared its separation from Somalia in 1991, though Mogadishu continues to claim the territory. In June, Somaliland opened its first official embassy in Jerusalem during President Ali's inaugural visit to Israel. He noted that Israel's recognition has significantly boosted Somaliland's international standing, drawing much-needed global attention after 35 years of seeking recognition.

Several other countries have already expressed willingness to contribute to the U.S.-led force, including Uganda (1,200 soldiers), Morocco (up to 500), Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo. Somaliland's military numbers around 25,000 soldiers, with an additional 1,500 personnel in its coast guard. President Ali is scheduled to meet with U.S. Congress members next week, including Senator Ted Cruz, a prominent advocate for U.S. recognition of Somaliland, who views the nation as a potential key security and diplomatic partner for the U.S. in the strategically important Horn of Africa.