Israel Recognizes Somaliland as Independent State, Sparking Regional and Global Reactions

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a landmark decision that could significantly reshape political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. The announcement was made on Friday following the signing of a joint declaration of mutual recognition between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.

Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel would immediately pursue cooperation with Somaliland in key sectors including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He praised President Abdullahi’s leadership and invited him to visit Israel, describing the recognition as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords. The Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020 during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first administration, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

President Abdullahi welcomed the move, stating that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords and calling the recognition a step toward regional and global peace. He emphasized Somaliland’s commitment to building international partnerships, increasing economic opportunities, and promoting stability across Africa and the Middle East.

Somalia’s federal government strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it an unlawful and deliberate attack on Somalia’s sovereignty. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the move as illegal aggression that violates established international legal and diplomatic norms. Somalia reaffirmed its intention to pursue diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend its internationally recognized borders.

International reactions were largely critical. The European Union urged respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for meaningful dialogue between Mogadishu and Somaliland. Egypt, along with Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, warned that recognizing breakaway regions could threaten international peace and security. The African Union and Nigeria also rejected the move, reiterating support for Somalia’s unity.

Somaliland has maintained relative peace and effective self-governance since declaring independence in 1991, following Somalia’s civil war. While it has not previously received international recognition, Somaliland hopes Israel’s decision will encourage other nations to follow, boosting its diplomatic standing and access to global markets.