Israel first nation to officially recognize Somaliland as independent state

rime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu – On Friday, Israel became the first nation to officially recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state — a move that could alter regional politics and challenge Somalia’s long-standing resistance to secession. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel plans to quickly collaborate with Somaliland across agriculture, healthcare, technology, and economic sectors. In his announcement, he congratulated Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, commended his leadership, and extended an invitation to visit Israel.

I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Together with Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, we signed a joint and mutual declaration.

This declaration is in the spirit of… pic.twitter.com/WlZuN1HB5z

— Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) December 26, 2025

• Israel becomes the first country to recognize Somaliland, pledging cooperation in technology, agriculture, healthcare, and economic development.

• Somalia, the African Union, and regional powers condemn the move, warning it threatens sovereignty, peace, and stability in the Horn of Africa.

• Somaliland hopes recognition boosts international support, trade access, and diplomatic influence, signaling potential expansion of Abraham Accords partnerships.

Netanyahu said the declaration “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of president Trump”.

The 2020 accords were brokered by Trump’s first administration and included Israel formalising diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.

Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland’s president signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, the Israeli statement said.

Abdullahi said in a statement that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step towards regional and global peace.

He said Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.

But Somalia’s government condemned Israel’s move as an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, rejecting any recognition of Somaliland, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office.

“The federal government affirms its determination to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in accordance with international law, to defend its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognised borders,” the statement said.

Egypt said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls on Friday with his counterparts from Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa following Israel’s announcement.

The ministers condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, and warned that recognising breakaway regions posed a threat to international peace and security, Egypt’s foreign ministry said.

Thailand, Cambodia Agree to Immediate Ceasefire After Deadly Border Clashes

The African Union also rejected any recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity and warning that such moves risked undermining peace and stability across the continent, the AU Commission chair said.

Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy — and relative peace and stability — since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to receive recognition from any other country.

Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognising Somaliland.

The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic heft and access to international markets.

In March, Somalia and Somaliland denied receiving any proposal from the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, with Mogadishu saying it categorically rejected any such move.