Israel has become the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that could significantly alter political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and challenge Somalia’s long-standing opposition to secession.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and invited him to an official visit to Israel.
Netanyahu said the recognition was “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” referring to the US-brokered agreements signed in 2020 during the administration of Donald Trump, which normalised Israel’s relations with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.
Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s longstanding opposition to its secession https://t.co/ugKYGTCtd5 pic.twitter.com/mgV0NqUs56
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 26, 2025According to an official Israeli statement, Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and President Abdullahi signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition. Somaliland’s president welcomed the decision, announcing his country’s intention to join the Abraham Accords and describing the move as a step toward greater regional and global peace. He said Somaliland aimed to build strong partnerships, enhance shared prosperity, and contribute to stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Somalia’s federal government reacted swiftly, condemning Israel’s decision as an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty. In a statement from the prime minister’s office, Somalia reaffirmed its commitment to pursue all diplomatic, political, and legal measures under international law to protect its unity and internationally recognised borders.
الخارجية: ندعم وحدة وسلامة وسيادة الصومال، ونرفض الاعتراف الإسرائيلي بصومالي لاند.
تؤكد وزارة الخارجية والمغتربين لدولة فلسطين على دعمها المطلق لوحدة الصومال وسيادته واستقلاله السياسي، بما يضمن لشعب الصومال الشقيق حقه في العيش الكريم والامن والاستقرار، اتساقا مع القانون الدولي… pic.twitter.com/xtKTNrANbF
— State of Palestine – MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) December 26, 2025Regional concern followed. Egypt said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held urgent consultations with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, warning that the recognition of breakaway regions could threaten international peace and security. The ministers jointly reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The African Union also rejected Israel’s move, reiterating its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s unity and cautioning that recognition of Somaliland could undermine peace and stability across the continent.
Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state https://t.co/swKrd6m80S https://t.co/swKrd6m80S
— Reuters (@Reuters) December 26, 2025Somaliland has maintained de facto autonomy since 1991, following Somalia’s descent into civil war, and has enjoyed relative stability compared to the rest of the country. Despite sustained lobbying efforts, it has long failed to secure formal international recognition. Somaliland hopes Israel’s decision will prompt other nations to follow suit, boosting its diplomatic standing and access to global markets.
Earlier this year, both Somalia and Somaliland denied reports of receiving proposals from the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, with Mogadishu firmly rejecting any such suggestion.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland marks a historic diplomatic shift, one that may have far-reaching implications for regional politics, international law, and future recognition debates across Africa.
