Jerusalem: Israel became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The move could significantly alter political dynamics in the Horn of Africa and deepen tensions with Somalia.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision, saying Israel would immediately pursue cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on his leadership and invited him to visit Israel, describing the recognition as aligned with the spirit of the Abraham Accords.
Signed in 2020 under the Trump administration, the Abraham Accords paved the way for Israel to normalise relations with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. Netanyahu said the recognition of Somaliland reflected the same vision of expanding regional partnerships.
The announcement was formalised through a joint declaration of mutual recognition signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and President Abdullahi. Somaliland’s leadership welcomed the move, saying it would join the Abraham Accords and work toward greater regional cooperation, stability, and shared prosperity across Africa and the Middle East.
The Republic of Somaliland Officially Recognized by the State of Israel. pic.twitter.com/Y5Ffg1T6Ik
— MFA Somaliland (@somalilandmfa) December 26, 2025
The decision drew swift criticism from Egypt, which said its foreign minister held calls with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the region. The ministers condemned Israel’s move, reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity, and warned that recognising breakaway regions could threaten international peace and security.
Somaliland has operated with de facto autonomy since 1991, maintaining relative peace and stability even as Somalia descended into prolonged conflict. Despite this, it has failed to secure international recognition, with Somalia consistently lobbying against any such efforts. Somaliland hopes Israel’s recognition will prompt other nations to follow, strengthening its diplomatic standing and access to global markets.
Earlier this year, both Somalia and Somaliland denied reports that the United States or Israel had proposed resettling Palestinians from Gaza in the region, with Mogadishu firmly rejecting any such idea.
