| Native Name: | ولاية ماخر الصومال |
| Conventional Long Name: | Maakhir State of Somalia |
| Common Name: | Maakhir |
| National Motto: | Diinta, Saldanada iyo Somalinimo ayaan isu sadqaynaynaa! |
| National Anthem: | Saldanada Saatir ha saraysiiyo abidkeed |
| Common Languages: | Somali Makhiri |
| Capital: | Badhan |
| Demonym: | Makhiri |
| Title Leader: | President |
| Leader1: | Jibril Ali Salad |
| Current Leader: | Abdirahman Dore |
| Event Start: | Declared |
| Date Start: | 26 May |
| Year Start: | 2007 |
| Year End: | 2009 |
| Currency: | Somali shilling |
| Cctld: | .so |
| Calling Code: | 252 |
| Today: | Somalia |
Maakhir (so|Maamul Goboleedka Maakhir, ar| ماخر ), officially the Maakhir State of Somalia (so|Maamul Goboleedka Maakhir; ar|ولاية ماخر الصومال) was a short-lived quasi-state in the Sanaag region of eastern Somalia formed in 2007.[1] [2] [3] In August 2024, the Federal Republic of Somalia, led by President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, officially recognized Maakhir State of Somalia as an independent state with defined territorial borders, This recognition of statehood followed a full representation from the region participating in consultation events to determine the future of the area. Representatives from across the Maakhir population elected a leadership and a technical administrative committee.[4]
Maakhir is the only Somali territory to never be ruled by a foreign power. Until 1949, the northern region of Somalia (including Maakhir, which was fully autonomous) was known to the Western world as British Somaliland.https://www.hiiraan.com/op4/2008/jan/5417/statement_by_the_maakhir_diaspora_forum.aspx Maakhir refers to the area historically governed by the Warsangali Sultanate, which existed for centuries and played a significant role in the early 20th century.[5]
In February 2008, Somaliland armed forces laid siege to Hadaftimo, causing a state of emergency before the troops withdrew into Erigavo. Maakhir responded by increasing its military presence in Erigavo.[6]
On 9 July, hostilities were reignited when Somaliland troops invaded and occupied Laas Qoray port, under the pretense of rescuing German citizens who were allegedly being held hostage by pirates in the area.[7]