Discontent in Somaliland Over Trump’s Gaza Relocation Proposal

The article details discussions between the U.S. and Israel regarding relocating Palestinians to Somaliland as part of Trump’s Gaza plan, amidst significant discontent from both Somaliland and Somalia. Somaliland seeks recognition and could perceive an opportunity, but strong public opposition and Somalia’s firm pro-Palestinian stance complicate the situation.

The United States, along with Israel, is reportedly considering the Horn of Africa as a relocation destination for Palestinians displaced from Gaza. The plan comes as Arab nations express rejection of President Trump’s envisioned ‘Middle East Riviera.’ Somaliland, a territory seeking international recognition as an independent state, has reportedly engaged in discussions with U.S. and Israeli officials about this controversial plan.

Specifically, Somaliland’s relatively stable environment amidst Somalia’s turmoil makes it a focal point for U.S. negotiations. The region has been courting international recognition and in 2022 offered U.S. military access to strategic infrastructures like ports and airfields in exchange for acknowledgment of its sovereignty. As the U.S. contemplates this unprecedented approach, Somaliland’s leadership may see it as a strategic opportunity.

Trump’s proposal suggests the permanent relocation of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, envisioning U.S. administrative control to facilitate development into a luxury real estate area. This aligns with some Israeli leaders’ longstanding desires for the forcible removal of Palestinians. The U.S. and Israel are reportedly preparing an array of incentives reminiscent of previous normalization deals, yet the political landscape has evolved dramatically following Israel’s recent military actions in Gaza.

Public sentiment in support of Palestine has surged globally, complicating the proposed resettlement. Moustafa Ahmad, a researcher focused on the Horn of Africa, has voiced skepticism about the feasibility of the plan, stating that despite potential pragmatic evaluations by Somaliland’s leadership, strong public solidarity with the Palestinian cause could render any such initiative highly contentious. He further noted the rejections of similar plans by key U.S. allies such as Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.

However, the United Arab Emirates may play a significant role in negotiations due to its connections with both Somaliland and Israel. Despite the UAE’s avoidance of overt criticism of Israel’s actions, it has publicly supported alternative plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, which clash with Trump’s proposal.

Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as “Irro,” has dismissed rumors of ongoing U.S. negotiations, indicating that formal proposals would first be critically assessed by his government. Meanwhile, Somalia faces its own internal challenges, with a constitutional crisis threatening the unity of the federal government as Puntland declares de facto independence.

In Mogadishu, the situation is exacerbated by heightened insecurity from groups like al-Shabaab, which have exploited the chaos. Somali officials have firmly rejected any plans involving the relocation of Palestinians, with Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi asserting that Somalia will not become a site for displacing populations or undermining Palestinian sovereignty. The government, a strong supporter of Palestine, recently aligned with the Arab League’s resolution against Trump’s plan.

The historical intertwining of the Palestinian struggle with Somalia’s political narrative is notable, particularly among extremist factions. Given significant control by al-Shabaab and deep-rooted pro-Palestinian sentiments, Mogadishu is unlikely to risk its already precarious stability for such an uncertain proposal.

The possibility of relocating Palestinians to Somaliland as part of Trump’s Gaza displacement plan has raised significant concern and discontent in both Somaliland and Somalia. While Somaliland sees a potential opportunity for international recognition, prevailing public sentiment and Somalia’s firm stance on Palestinian rights complicate the feasibility of such an initiative. The situation underscores the delicate geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa, shaped by historical ties and current realities.

Original Source: www.newarab.com