Somaliland ready to send 2,000 soldiers to the Gaza Strip
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi says he is waiting for a request from Israel or the United States to participate in the future international stabilization force
Somaliland is ready to deploy up to 2,000 soldiers as part of the international stabilization force envisioned in the Gaza Strip, its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, said on Wednesday.
“If they ask us, we can provide soldiers,” he stated on the sidelines of the MEAD conference. “We are not volunteering, but if they ask me, I am ready.”
This force, led by the United States, should eventually number about 20,000 troops. It would be responsible for ensuring security in the enclave, training the Palestinian police, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid, and preventing Hamas from reestablishing its military control.
Uganda has already approved the deployment of about 1,200 soldiers, and Morocco has committed to providing up to 500. Albania, Kazakhstan, and Kosovo have also promised to participate in the operation.
Somaliland has an army of about 25,000 soldiers and 1,500 coast guards, according to its president. Until now, it has never provided troops to an African Union force.
In December 2025, Israel became the first country to officially recognize the independence of Somaliland, which was proclaimed in 1991 but is still contested by Somalia. The territory then opened an embassy in Jerusalem in June, during the first official visit to Israel by its president.
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Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi believes that this recognition has significantly enhanced his country's international visibility. He is due to meet several members of the US Congress soon to discuss possible recognition by Washington as well as security cooperation.
The president asserts that his country has the necessary manpower to defend itself, but lacks weapons and advanced technologies. He wishes to obtain help from Israel, the United States, and other allies to face Somalia’s military buildup, which is notably supported by Turkey.
The leader denied any discussions about a possible use of Somaliland’s territory or airspace by Israel to carry out operations against the Houthis in Yemen.
He also rejected reports that his government had agreed to take in Palestinians from Gaza as part of its rapprochement with Israel.
“We have not discussed it with Israel, nor with the Americans, nor with anyone,” he assured.
The agreement signed with Benjamin Netanyahu provides for cooperation in the areas of security, trade, investments, and economic development. Somaliland in particular hopes to benefit from Israeli technologies in the water sector.