Israel has become the first country to officially recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This historic move could shift regional dynamics and challenges Somalia, which has consistently opposed Somaliland’s independence.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the economy. Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed a joint declaration for mutual recognition, framing the move within the spirit of the Abraham Accords initiated under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Somaliland’s president welcomed the recognition as a step toward regional and global peace, highlighting partnerships, prosperity, and stability in the Middle East and Africa.
Meanwhile, Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti condemned Israel’s recognition, reaffirming support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and warning that recognizing separatist regions threatens international peace and security.
Somaliland has maintained relative peace and autonomy since 1991 but has never achieved international recognition—until now. The move by Israel may encourage other countries to follow, boosting Somaliland’s diplomatic and economic standing.
