Israel Becomes First Nation to Formally Recognize Somaliland’s Independence

JERUSALEM / HARGEISA – In a landmark diplomatic shift that has sent shockwaves through the Horn of Africa, Israel officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as a sovereign and independent nation on Friday. The move makes Israel the first UN member state to formally acknowledge the breakaway region’s independence since it separated from Somalia in 1991.

The historic agreement was formalized during a videoconference between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Netanyahu described the moment as a “historic milestone,” confirming that both nations have agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, including the immediate appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

“I have instructed my ministry to act immediately to institutionalize ties between our two countries across a wide range of fields, including agriculture, health, and technology,” stated Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar.

Expansion of the Abraham Accords

President Abdullahi announced that Somaliland will officially join the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered framework aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations. Abdullahi hailed the decision as a “step toward regional and global peace,” emphasizing Somaliland’s commitment to building partnerships that promote stability across the Middle East and Africa.

The timing of the move is seen by analysts as strategically significant. Somaliland occupies a vital position on the Gulf of Aden, overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait—a critical chokepoint for global maritime trade that has recently been destabilized by Houthi rebel activity.

Fierce Regional Backlash

The announcement was met with swift and “categorical” rejection from the Federal Government of Somalia. Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre denounced the move as a “deliberate attack” on Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The fallout has triggered a coordinated diplomatic response from regional powers:

• Somalia: Vowed to pursue all legal and diplomatic measures to defend its internationally recognized borders.

• Egypt & Turkey: Issued a joint statement with Somalia and Djibouti, warning that recognizing “parallel entities” sets a dangerous precedent in international law and could lead to further fragmentation in Africa.

• African Union (AU): Reaffirmed its commitment to the unity of Somalia, expressing concern that the move could undermine decades of work to maintain continental stability.

A Pivot in the Horn of Africa

This recognition follows a controversial memorandum signed last year between Ethiopia and Somaliland, which sought to grant landlocked Ethiopia access to the Red Sea in exchange for potential recognition. By stepping forward as the first to formalize ties, Israel has effectively upended the long-standing international consensus on Somali unity.

Somaliland, home to six million people, has operated as a de facto independent state for 34 years, maintaining its own currency, military, and democratic elections despite its lack of international legitimacy—until now.

The recognition is expected to force a debate within the international community, particularly as U.S. President Donald Trump enters his second term. Sources suggest that several other nations may be considering following Israel’s lead, which would fundamentally redraw the political map of the Horn of Africa.