HARGEISA — Somaliland marked the first anniversary of its recognition as an independent state with a military parade and traditional dances in Hargeisa on Monday. Thousands gathered in the capital to commemorate Israel's decision in December 2025 to recognize the territory, which had declared autonomy from Somalia in 1991.

Israel was the first country to extend recognition, and no other state has followed in the year since. The African Union opposes formal recognition of Somaliland, which does not fully control all of the territory it claims.

"Somaliland has fulfilled all the requirements of a responsible, peaceful, law-abiding and democratic nation," President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said during the anniversary events. "The question Somaliland asks the world is no longer whether we deserve recognition, but when," he added.

Somaliland sits on the Gulf of Aden near key shipping lanes and Yemen, and has an almost entirely Muslim population. Israeli flags have appeared in homes and businesses in some parts of the territory since the recognition.

Yemen's Houthi rebels, backed by Iran, have threatened to strike Somaliland if Israel establishes a military presence there. Dahir Omar Bile, a resident of Hargeisa, said he fears Israel's conduct in Gaza will damage Somaliland's search for wider recognition.

"Somaliland fought hard for its independence but I can't trust [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu. He's killed children the same age as my own," Bile said. "The Houthi threats have many people scared," he added.

The North East State of Somalia claims authority over some eastern areas claimed by Somaliland. In 2023, Somaliland forces fought with local clans in those eastern areas, shelling hospitals, schools, mosques and residential areas. According to Amnesty International, hundreds or even thousands were killed or wounded in that conflict and about 200,000 people were displaced. Ahmed Ali Shire, a member of parliament of the North East State of Somalia, said the dispute remains unresolved. "The conflict will reignite," he said.