Israel has officially recognised Somaliland as an independent nation, becoming the first country to grant formal recognition to the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision, stating that Israel would immediately begin expanding cooperation with Somaliland in key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, and technology. Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, welcomed the move, calling it a “historic moment” for his country.
The recognition is expected to strengthen Somaliland’s international standing and could prompt other nations to follow suit, potentially opening doors to greater diplomatic engagement and access to global markets.
However, the move has drawn strong opposition from Somalia. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Somalia “categorically and unequivocally” rejects Israel’s decision, describing it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty.
President Abdullahi stated that Somaliland intends to join the Abraham Accords, describing the step as part of a broader effort to promote regional and global peace. He added that Somaliland remains committed to building international partnerships, strengthening economic cooperation, and supporting stability across Africa and the Middle East.
The decision has also been criticised by Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and Somalia. In a joint statement, the foreign ministers of the four countries expressed their “total rejection” of Israel’s announcement and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. He said Israel’s foreign ministry has been instructed to move quickly to formalise ties across multiple sectors.
Following the announcement, Egypt’s foreign minister held separate discussions with officials from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti. Egypt’s foreign ministry said the countries warned against unilateral actions that could undermine regional stability or create parallel state structures, arguing such moves could set a dangerous precedent under international law and the United Nations Charter.
The statement also reiterated opposition to any plans involving the displacement of Palestinians outside their homeland.
Israel has long sought to strengthen diplomatic ties across the Middle East and Africa, though recent conflicts, including the war in Gaza and tensions with Iran, have complicated those efforts. The Abraham Accords, brokered during former US President Donald Trump’s first term in 2020, led to the normalisation of relations between Israel and several countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime, has maintained its own government, currency, security forces, and passports but has remained internationally unrecognised for decades. With a population of nearly six million, the region holds strategic importance due to its location along the Gulf of Aden.
In recent years, Somaliland has been involved in regional tensions, including a controversial agreement last year allowing landlocked Ethiopia to lease a section of its coastline for port and military use—a deal that sparked anger from Somalia.
