In a landmark diplomatic move that reverberates across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, Israel has become the world’s first country to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Announced on December 26, 2025, this historic decision ends more than three decades of international isolation for the breakaway region and revives ties rooted in a brief but significant shared history from 1960.
The Historic Signing and Leaders’ Declarations
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar personally signed the joint declaration of mutual recognition, while Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (also known as Abdirahman Cirro) affixed his signature on behalf of his nation.
During a widely publicized video call, Netanyahu described the burgeoning friendship as “seminal and historic,” emphasizing mutual benefits.
“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development, health, technology, and the economy,” he stated, extending an invitation for President Abdullahi to visit Jerusalem “as soon as possible.”
Framed “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”—the U.S.-brokered normalization agreements that expanded Israel’s ties with several Muslim-majority nations—Netanyahu highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in combating terrorism and fostering regional peace.
President Abdullahi hailed the development as a “historic moment,” expressing Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords and commit to partnerships that promote stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Somaliland’s Long Road to Recognition: A Journey Through History
Somaliland’s quest for sovereignty is deeply intertwined with colonial legacies and postcolonial turmoil.
As the former British Somaliland Protectorate, it gained independence on June 26, 1960, forming the short-lived State of Somaliland.
During its fleeting five days of independence, it received formal recognition from Israel and 35 other countries before voluntarily uniting with the Italian-administered Trust Territory of Somalia on July 1, 1960, to create the Somali Republic.
This union unraveled amid chaos. In 1991, as Somalia plunged into civil war following the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime, Somaliland reclaimed its independence, establishing a stable government with its own currency, passports, military, and democratic institutions.
Despite conducting peaceful elections and maintaining relative peace in contrast to Somalia’s ongoing instability, Somaliland has operated in diplomatic limbo—no UN member state had granted formal recognition until Israel’s bold step.
Several nations, including the United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan, have maintained liaison offices or informal ties, acknowledging Somaliland’s de facto functionality.
Its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, overlooking vital Red Sea shipping lanes, has long drawn interest from global powers.
Geopolitical Implications and Strategic Motivations
Israel’s recognition carries profound strategic weight. Somaliland’s coastline offers potential access for monitoring Iran-backed Houthi activities in Yemen, enhancing Israel’s security amid escalating Red Sea tensions.
The move also counters growing Chinese influence in the region and aligns with efforts to expand the Abraham Accords framework.
For Somaliland, Israel’s endorsement could pave the way for broader international acceptance, unlocking access to global markets, loans, and investment long denied due to its unrecognized status.
International Backlash and Regional Tensions
The announcement triggered swift condemnation. Somalia’s government denounced it as an “unlawful step” and “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, vowing diplomatic and legal countermeasures. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud labeled it “illegal aggression.”
The African Union firmly rejected the recognition, reaffirming Somaliland as “an integral part” of Somalia and warning of implications for continental stability.
Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and others echoed this stance, cautioning against precedents that undermine territorial integrity.
Even within Israel, some officials noted irony, given the country’s opposition to unilateral Palestinian statehood recognition.
What Lies Ahead for Israel-Somaliland Relations?
Plans for full diplomatic relations—including embassies and ambassadors—are underway.
As celebrations erupted in Hargeisa with projections of Israeli flags, this partnership signals a new chapter: one Muslim-majority nation extending a hand to Israel, potentially reshaping alliances in a volatile region.
Israel’s pioneering move not only honors a historical connection from 1960 but also positions both nations for shared prosperity in agriculture, technology, and security.
Whether it inspires others to follow suit remains to be seen, but it undeniably marks a pivotal shift in global diplomacy.
This breakthrough underscores Somaliland’s resilience and Israel’s strategic outreach, offering a glimpse into evolving dynamics in Africa and the Middle East.
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