MOGADISHU, Somalia — The United Arab Emirates is working to persuade several countries to recognize Somaliland, Somali officials said Monday.
Somali diplomatic and intelligence sources said Abu Dhabi is engaging Eswatini, Argentina, Zambia and the Dominican Republic in efforts to support recognition of the breakaway region.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the central government collapsed, but it is not internationally recognized.
Somalia’s government rejects the claim, saying any recognition would violate its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The reported diplomatic push follows Israel’s decision in December 2025 to recognize Somaliland, a move that heightened regional tensions.
Officials said Eswatini and Argentina are viewed as the most likely candidates, though no decisions have been confirmed.
Eswatini is among the few African countries that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan. Somali officials say the UAE is using Taiwan’s diplomatic model as a reference point and has allegedly offered financial incentives, though details were not provided.
Argentina is also under scrutiny in Mogadishu, with officials citing President Javier Milei’s pro-Israel foreign policy as a potential factor influencing diplomatic alignment.
The Dominican Republic and Zambia were also mentioned, though Zambia is seen as unlikely due to African Union policy opposing changes to member states’ territorial integrity.
The African Union has long upheld the principle of maintaining existing borders to avoid separatist conflicts across the continent.
Somalia and the UAE have had strained relations for years over political influence and security cooperation. Tensions escalated further after Israel recognized Somaliland in 2025, which Somali officials believe involved external backing.
Somalia severed diplomatic ties with the UAE in January 2026, ending cooperation agreements covering defense, security and port development. The UAE has not responded to the latest allegations.
Somaliland has governed itself since 1991 and has built international partnerships, including a 2016 agreement with DP World to develop and manage the Berbera port.
Somali officials say foreign recognition efforts overlook ongoing territorial disputes in Sool, Sanaag and Awdal, where opposition to secession has grown.
They argue Somaliland’s internal divisions and disputed territorial control continue to challenge its claim to full statehood.