Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced, making Israel the first country to take the step and igniting strong opposition across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East. The move immediately drew condemnation from Somalia and several regional governments, raising concerns over sovereignty and regional stability.
Netanyahu said Israel would swiftly expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health and technology. Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed the recognition as “a historic moment” and said it would strengthen his administration’s international standing after decades of diplomatic isolation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed that both sides agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, including exchanging ambassadors and opening embassies. He said Israel had instructed its foreign ministry to move quickly to formalise cooperation across multiple sectors.
Somalia reacted angrily. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre said Mogadishu “categorically and unequivocally” rejected Israel’s decision, calling it a direct violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somaliland has been self-governing since 1991 but is not internationally recognised as an independent country.
The announcement also triggered a coordinated regional response. The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti issued a joint statement rejecting Israel’s move. They warned that recognising breakaway regions could set a dangerous precedent under international law and undermine the United Nations Charter.
Egypt’s foreign minister held emergency calls with his counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti. Cairo said the four countries reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity and warned against unilateral actions that could destabilise the region or create parallel state structures. The ministers also reiterated opposition to any plans to displace Palestinians beyond their homeland.
Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, describing the decision as a step toward wider regional and global peace. He argued that Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting shared prosperity and promoting stability across Africa and the Middle East.
Strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland has its own currency, passports and security forces, but has struggled for recognition since breaking away from Somalia more than three decades ago. With a population nearing six million, the territory has recently been drawn into regional tensions, including disputes involving Ethiopia and Egypt over access to ports and military facilities.
Israel’s decision could encourage other nations to follow, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics in one of Africa’s most volatile regions.
