Charlotte Touati – Mondafrique: Two competing poles are now clearly taking shape in the contest for control over access to the Red Sea. The State of Somaliland, a Strategic IssueTo understand this turning point, it is necessary to revisit the deeper history of Somaliland. And yet, it long received no international recognition. The Hamas attack, another Iranian proxy, against Israel triggered the immediate reactivation of the Houthis, who blocked the southern Red Sea. Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia, remains firmly opposed to any recognition of Somaliland, viewing it as an existential threat.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 08, 2026 14:52 UTC