Israel Becomes First Nation to Recognize Somaliland’s Independence

Fri Dec 26 2025 22:16:04 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a significant diplomatic move, Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, a decision hailed by Somaliland’s leaders and condemned by neighboring nations.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent entity, a landmark decision announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This recognition has been celebrated by Somaliland’s president as a "historic moment" and could potentially pave the way for more countries to acknowledge Somaliland's statehood. However, the announcement faced backlash from Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who rejected the claim and warned of potential instability. The two nations are set to establish full diplomatic ties, fostering cooperation in various sectors, including agriculture and technology.

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel intends to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology in partnership with Somaliland. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, hailed the development as a 'historic moment'. Recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, which may increase Somaliland's diplomatic recognition and access to international markets.

However, this declaration was swiftly condemned by the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who collectively affirmed their 'total rejection' of Israel's recognition of Somaliland. They warned that such steps could destabilize the region and undermine Somalia's sovereignty.

In his statement, Abdullahi noted that Somaliland intends to join the Abraham Accords, aspiring towards regional and global peace. The two nations have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, which will entail the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies, an initiative backed by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Despite the positive reception from Somaliland, skepticism persists regarding the potential implications of this recognition. The foreign ministers of the involved countries proclaimed their support for Somalia's unity and cautioned against any actions that might create 'parallel entities' to Somalia's existing institutions, emphasizing the risks of setting a dangerous precedent under international law.

Israel has been actively seeking to enhance relations with multiple nations across the Middle East and Africa. In 2020, significant diplomatic agreements known as the Abraham Accords saw several countries, including the UAE and Morocco, normalize ties with Israel, from which Somaliland may benefit historically.

Strategically located on the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland has established its own currency, passports, and law enforcement. Nonetheless, the region has experienced decades of diplomatic isolation since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991.

Recent developments in Somalia and regional tensions underscore the delicate nature of Somaliland's new recognition and the surrounding geopolitical environment, particularly as it navigates its relationships with Ethiopia, Somalia, and Egypt in ongoing disputes.