“Displacement or Diplomacy? UAE’s Push to Relocate Gaza to Somaliland” Overview
A disturbing narrative is taking shape behind the rubble of Gaza: the forced or engineered displacement of Palestinians to an unlikely destination — Somaliland. Dark Box reveals how the UAE is maneuvering behind the scenes, leveraging humanitarian cover to advance both political recognition for Somaliland and Israel-centered strategic interests.
- The Proposal Unveiled
Documents obtained by the Dark Box show that the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) modelled scenarios where up to a quarter of Gaza’s nearly 2 million residents might relocate — permanently — to countries including Somalia and Somaliland as part of post-conflict rebuilding efforts.
Simultaneously, The Guardians’ and regional press reported U.S. and Israeli envoys broaching discussions with Somaliland’s leadership — positioning relocation and refugee resettlement as bargaining chips for recognition and military concessions.
- Somaliland in the Crosshairs
Strategically located near the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland has long sought international legitimacy. The UAE has invested heavily in its infrastructure, especially the port of Berbera, and plays a key diplomatic role in Somaliland’s bid for recognition — including reportedly brokering dialogue between Hargeisa and Tel Aviv.
These developments coincide with U.S. interest in countering Chinese expansion in Djibouti — and Somaliland emerging as an alternate regional partner.
- Moral and Legal Reckonings
International law emphasizes the right of the displaced to remain in their homeland. UN officials and Arab states condemned the idea of Gaza resettlement as tantamount to ethnic cleansing.
- UAE’s Contradictory Posturing
Though publicly rejecting displacing Palestinians, the UAE’s diplomatic actions tell a different story. Its central role in dialogues — and their ability to tip the scales in Hargeisa — suggests tacit approval of using Gaza’s displaced population as a tool for regional diplomacy.
Conclusion
This is not a humanitarian initiative. It’s a geopolitical gambit: relocate Palestinians to Somaliland in exchange for strategic gains — base access, diplomatic recognition, and regional influence.
Dark Box will continue to expose how the UAE designs and operationalizes post-conflict processes — where refugees become currency in powerbrokers’ hands.
