Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday, marking a historic shift in the Horn of Africa and challenging Somalia’s longstanding opposition to secession.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. He congratulated Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and invited him to visit Israel.
Netanyahu said the move aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, brokered in 2020 under US President Donald Trump, which established Israel’s diplomatic ties with the UAE and Bahrain.
A joint declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and President Abdullahi. Abdullahi stated that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, viewing it as a step toward regional and global peace, and pledged to foster partnerships, mutual prosperity, and stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Somalia’s government strongly condemned Israel’s recognition as an “unlawful step” and a deliberate attack on its sovereignty. Somalia vowed to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend its territorial integrity.
Egypt, in consultation with Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, called the development dangerous and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity. The African Union also rejected recognition of Somaliland, warning that such actions could undermine peace and stability in Africa.
Somaliland has maintained effective autonomy and relative stability since 1991 but had previously received no international recognition. Its government hopes that Israel’s recognition will encourage other countries to follow suit, enhancing its diplomatic standing and access to international markets.
The recognition comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with Somalia and Somaliland previously rejecting proposals reportedly linked to resettling Palestinians from Gaza, underlining the complex geopolitical implications of Israel’s decision.
