# The Brink in Somaliland: Rageh Omar on Israel and the new scramble for Africa

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910/the-brink-in-somaliland-rageh-omar-on-israel-and-the-new-scramble-for-africa
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910/the-brink-in-somaliland-rageh-omar-on-israel-and-the-new-scramble-for-africa.md
Podcast: [The Brink](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910)
Published: 2026-05-21T17:19:14+00:00
Episode link: https://shows.acast.com/the-brink/episodes/6a0f3e9280978431daad95bd
Audio file: https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68bb49871af371182ae70db4/e/6a0f3e9280978431daad95bd/media.mp3
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JSON: https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-brink-7481910/episodes/the-brink-in-somaliland-rageh-omar-on-israel-and-the-new-scramble-for-africa
Duration seconds: 2774

## Resource

Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://open.substack.com/pub/thebrinkpodcast/p/the-brink-in-somaliland-rageh-omar?r=63dafp&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by journalist and broadcaster Rageh Omaar for a conversation from Hargeisa on the extraordinary story of Somaliland and why this unrecognised state is suddenly becoming one of the world’s most important geopolitical flashpoints. We explore Somaliland’s history as a former British protectorate, its brutal war for independence from Somalia, and how it rebuilt itself into a relatively stable and democratic country despite receiving almost no international recognition. Rageh explains why Somaliland sees itself as a nation that has been unfairly locked out of the international system, even while functioning more effectively than many recognised states. The conversation then turns to the historic decision by Israel to formally recognise Somaliland in December 2025. Rageh discusses why the move transformed Somaliland’s international profile overnight and why relations between Somaliland and Israel have developed so warmly despite Somaliland being a deeply conservative Muslim society. We also examine the wider geopolitical battle unfolding across the Horn of Africa. From China and Turkey’s growing influence in Somalia and Djibouti to the strategic importance of the Bab el-Mandeb shipping route, we discuss why global powers are increasingly focusing on Somaliland and whether Britain is making a major strategic mistake by failing to recognise it. Finally, we discuss Somalia’s ongoing instability, the threat posed by Al Shabaab, the role of the Somaliland diaspora in rebuilding the country, and why Somaliland could become one of…

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