Israel has become the first country on Earth to recognize the de facto independent Republic of Somaliland, in exchange for a commitment from Somaliland to join the Abraham Accords and recognize Israel. However, not three years ago, Israel joined the US as the only two countries on Earth to recognize Morocco’s claim to sovereignty over the disputed territory of Western Sahara—a betrayal of the occupied Sahrawi Arab people who seek an independent state. And of course both these deals constitute a betrayal of the Palestinians. Somaliland and the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic should be natural allies, and instead they are being pitted against each other in the Great Power game. Yet another example of how a global divide-and-rule racket is the essence of the state system. In Episode 311 of the CounterVortex podcast, Bill Weinberg breaks it down.
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Photo: Horn Diplomat via Wikipedia
UN to end missions in Western Sahara, Somalia
The UN’s long-running mission in Moroccan-occupied Western Sahara (MINURSO) entered a liquidation phase after its mandate ended on Oct. 31. MINURSO was created in 1991 to support a ceasefire and organize a self-determination referendum, but the vote never took place. The US and Russia had proposed rival resolutions to extend its mandate, but neither was adopted. Also ending Oct. 31 is the UN’s political mission in Somalia (UNTMIS), marking the end of more than three decades of engagement. While the Somali government had requested the termination two years ago, the closure coincides with severe political friction between the federal state and regional governments. (TNH)
Uganda withdraws from Somalia
Uganda has begun a phased withdrawal of its troops from Somalia after two decades of military involvement in the country. The first troops arriving home Oct. 31 were those deployed under a bilateral agreement to defend the Somali government. Uganda said all its forces, including those under an African Union mandate, would exit by the end of 2027, despite concerns Mogadishu would be vulnerable to insurgent attacks. (TNH)