While the world was surprised by Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland, for the residents of the country in the Horn of Africa, it is a historic closing of a circle.
In a Maariv interview with Edy Cohen, Khalifa Ibrahim, a businessman from the city of Berbera and an advisor to investors, explained why Israel was and remains his country's natural ally.
Ibrahim discussed the Jewish history of the port city of Berbera, the security and civil ties that existed "under the table," and sent a pointed message to Islamic countries that are trying to preach a moral lesson to them.
Cohen probes Ibrahim Israel-Somaliland connection
Ibrahim, were you surprised that Israel recognized Somaliland? It seems like a step that no one expected.
"I'll be honest with you. As a son of the people of Somaliland, I have been waiting for this moment. The timing may have been surprising because of the political sensitivity, but the very fact that Israel recognized us? It was completely expected,” Ibrahim stated.
“People forget that the first country to recognize us when we gained independence from Britain in 1960 was Israel. We knew that it would take a step forward again and recognize us. It's a connection that has very deep roots."
You're talking about deep connections. Tell the Israeli audience who the people of Somaliland are.
"Our relations with the Jewish people have lasted for many years, long before official recognition. During the British period, Jewish merchants lived with us in Berbera. To this day, the city still has a 'Jewish neighborhood' - that's the official name people use. But there's something deeper: a large part of the people in Somaliland, especially in the northern regions, believe that their origin is Jewish-Israeli and not Arab. We have entire tribes that believe that this is their tradition. This information may be new to Israelis, but for us it's our identity. Therefore, when history repeats itself now, it feels natural."
So did Somaliland cooperate with Israel even when there were no official diplomatic relations?
"Absolutely. We don't call it 'under the table' because for us, it was official and substantial. We asked for assistance, and Israel said 'welcome back.' They sent us doctors to government hospitals, experts in solving water issues, and lecturers to our universities. The relationship was commercial and humanitarian long before the Israeli foreign minister came to Hargeisa. Now it is simply visible to the world."
How did Somaliland’s neighbors react? The Turkish and some Arab nations do not seem happy with this alliance.
"It just makes me laugh. We knocked on all the doors in the world. In 2012, we went to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and asked for recognition. We knocked on the doors of Arab and Islamic countries. Where were they for 35 years when we suffered and built our country from scratch? Where was the 'Arab world' when we fought for our identity without any global support? Suddenly, now that we’ve established official diplomatic relations with Israel, they wake up and say that we are harming a Muslim country? We will not take instructions on whom to establish relations with from Turkey or any Arab country. We have every right to be an independent state and to look after our own interests."
Objection to Israeli recognition
Some countries have filed official objections to this move. Does it affect you?
"More than 1,500 objections were filed against Israeli recognition. And what happened? Nothing. It all amounted to nothing. The Israeli Foreign Minister visited us, walked the streets, and returned safely. We are a democratic and free country. We will establish relations with those who are in our best interests, and nothing will change the decision to open embassies in Hargeisa and Jerusalem."
There are those in the Islamic world who claim that by actually getting closer to Israel, you are 'selling' your religion or becoming secular.
"This is a message I want to convey sharply to the entire Islamic world that doubts us: We are a Muslim people and a 100% Muslim state, and recognizing Israel will not change that. In fact, we are devout and guard the principles of Islam much more than some of the Arabs who preach to us. Here, when the call to prayer plays, all the shops close, schools stop, and work stops to go to prayer. This is something you won't see today in many 'enlightened' Arab countries. We are not dismantling any Muslim country; we are simply managing a relationship of interests, security, and trade."
Finally, what is your message to Israeli investors or tourists considering coming to Somaliland?
"I say to the people of Israel: Just as you supported us and rejoiced in our joy, we want you to see us as brothers in the Horn of Africa. Our government has already arranged for Israeli investors to be fully exempt from taxes - this is the news I bring you. Come invest in agriculture, minerals, ports, and tourism. We await you in Barbara and Hargeisa with open arms and love. We are your bridge to Africa."