Israel Becomes First Country to Recognize Somaliland as Independent State

Sat Dec 27 2025 02:57:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a historic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces recognition of Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent nation.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland, marking the first formal acknowledgment of its independence from Somalia. This decision, announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, aims to bolster cooperation in various sectors like agriculture and technology. While Somaliland's president termed it a 'historic moment', the move drew condemnation from Somalia and neighboring nations. The recognition could open doors for Somaliland on the international stage, potentially leading to increased diplomatic relations and market access.

Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel's intention to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed that this recognition is a 'historic moment'.

The recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, enhancing Somaliland's diplomatic standing and access to international markets.

However, this decision has faced backlash from the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who collectively condemned the announcement.

Abdullahi indicated that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, framing the recognition as a stride toward regional and global peace, while also emphasizing Somaliland's commitment to fostering partnerships that promote stability across the Middle East and Africa.

The agreement also includes the establishment of full diplomatic ties, including the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

In response to Israel’s announcement, Egypt's foreign minister coordinated discussions with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to affirm their support for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity, warning against unilateral actions that could destabilize the region.

Historically, Israel has sought to strengthen its relations with various countries across the Middle East and Africa. Somaliland, which declared independence in 1991, has long been a self-governing entity, albeit one that has remained largely unrecognized internationally. The recent recognition could be pivotal in changing Somaliland's diplomatic landscape.