The Somali proverb “Ama buur ahow, ama buur ku tirso”— “Either be a mountain or lean on a mountain”—offers a concise framework for understanding power, survival, and strategic choice. Rooted in a historically harsh environment where isolation carries real risk, the proverb reflects a pragmatic worldview: security and success require either self‑sufficiency or alignment with strength. This logic provides a useful lens through which to examine Somaliland’s evolving relationship with Israel and its broader pursuit of security and international legitimacy.

At its core, the proverb presents two viable paths. To “be a mountain” is to embody resilience, autonomy, and leadership—to become a stabilizing force upon which others can rely. To “lean on a mountain” is not weakness, but realism: an acknowledgment that alliances with stronger actors are sometimes necessary for survival. What the proverb rejects outright is vulnerability without protection. In uncertain political landscapes, standing alone is the most dangerous position of all.

For more than three decades, Somaliland has sought to be a “mountain” in the Horn of Africa. Despite the absence of formal international recognition, it has constructed functioning political institutions, conducted competitive elections, and maintained internal stability in contrast to the broader instability of the region. These achievements reflect a deliberate strategy of self‑reliance and internal legitimacy. Somaliland has demonstrated that it can govern itself effectively, provide security to its population, and act as a responsible political entity.

This record of stability underpins Somaliland’s foreign policy choices. Engagement with Israel represents an assertion of agency rather than dependence. By pursuing diplomatic relationships outside traditional regional constraints, Somaliland signals confidence in its own sovereignty and political maturity. In this sense, it continues to act as a “mountain”: making independent decisions based on strategic interests rather than external pressure.

At the same time, the proverb’s second injunction—lean on a mountain—helps explain why self‑reliance alone is insufficient. In international politics, recognition, security guarantees, and access to advanced capabilities often depend on relationships with established powers. No unrecognized state, regardless of internal stability, can indefinitely remain isolated from global systems of diplomacy, trade, and security.

Israel occupies the role of a “mountain” in this strategic calculation. It possesses significant diplomatic influence, particularly with Western powers, as well as advanced capabilities in security, intelligence, technology, and public health. For Somaliland, alignment with Israel offers a pathway out of diplomatic isolation and toward broader international engagement. The relationship is therefore not symbolic; it is instrumental.

From a security perspective, cooperation with Israel strengthens Somaliland’s ability to protect its coastline and monitor regional threats in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—areas of increasing geopolitical importance. From a diplomatic standpoint, partnership with an established UN member state enhances Somaliland’s credibility and visibility within international forums. Recognition is rarely achieved in isolation; it is often mediated through trusted alliances.

Beyond traditional security concerns, the relationship also reflects a broader understanding of power. Modern state strength is not defined solely by military capacity, but by human capital, technological infrastructure, and institutional competence. Collaboration in areas such as public health, agriculture, and innovation allows Somaliland to build durable internal capacity rather than perpetual dependence. By leveraging Israeli expertise, Somaliland can develop its own systems for disease surveillance, healthcare delivery, and technological development—effectively building new “mountains” at home.

This pattern mirrors other asymmetric alliances in global politics. Smaller but stable democracies like Israel often function as regional anchors while leaning on larger partners for global legitimacy and diplomatic protection. In return, larger powers like the United States benefit from reliable local partners that enhance regional stability without direct intervention. The exchange is not one‑sided; it is mutually reinforcing.

What emerges, then, is not a relationship based on sentiment, but on strategic symmetry. Somaliland has demonstrated that it can be a source of stability in a volatile region. Israel provides the international reach, technical expertise, and diplomatic weight that Somaliland currently lacks. Together, they form a complementary partnership grounded in shared interests rather than dependency.

The enduring relevance of the proverb lies in its clarity. It does not romanticize independence for its own sake, nor does it stigmatize reliance on others. Instead, it recognizes that survival depends on honest assessments of power and vulnerability. Somaliland’s leadership appears to have internalized this lesson: having proven its capacity to stand, it now seeks the alliances necessary to endure.

Somaliland, aiming to be a stable and autonomous “mountain” in the Horn of Africa, strategically aligns with Israel to enhance its security, international legitimacy, and internal capacity through a partnership that balances self-reliance with pragmatic alliance-building based on shared interests and mutual benefits.

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)