Israel has officially recognised Somaliland as an independent state, marking the first time a country has done so. The announcement comes decades after Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, welcomed the recognition as a historic step and described it as the beginning of a “strategic partnership” with Israel. Crowds in Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, celebrated the announcement, waving the breakaway state’s flags.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move aligns with the Abraham Accords and could bring economic and strategic opportunities for Somaliland. He personally called Abdullahi, stating his pride in the new partnership. Analysts note that Israel may see Somaliland as a strategic ally in the Red Sea region.
The recognition of Somaliland has been met with strong criticism. Somalia condemned the decision, calling it a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty. The African Union also rejected Israel’s move, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for peace and stability across Africa.
Other countries, including Turkey and Egypt, have expressed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and denounced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The Palestinian Authority also criticised the move, accusing Israel of potential complicity in regional displacement issues.
Somaliland, though self-proclaimed, has maintained its own government, currency, army, and passports. However, the lack of international recognition has limited its access to foreign aid, loans, and investment. Previous deals, such as leasing a stretch of coastline to Ethiopia for a port and military base, had already angered Somalia.
Abdullahi has stated that international recognition of Somaliland is a top priority and hailed Israel’s decision as a step toward global acknowledgment. Meanwhile, regional observers say the development could reshape alliances in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
The recognition of Somaliland is likely to intensify debates over sovereignty and regional stability while highlighting the strategic importance of the territory.
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