Dec. 26 (Reuters) — Israel has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a dramatic move that could reshape politics in the Horn of Africa and spark fresh tensions with Somalia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on Friday, saying Israel would immediately pursue cooperation with Somaliland in areas such as agriculture, health, technology and the economy. In a statement, Netanyahu congratulated Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.
Netanyahu said the recognition was made “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” the landmark agreements launched under former U.S. President Donald Trump that saw Israel normalize relations with several Arab nations starting in 2020.
According to an Israeli government statement, Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and President Abdullahi signed a joint declaration formally recognizing each other.
Abdullahi welcomed the move, saying Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords. He described the decision as a step toward regional and global peace, adding that Somaliland is committed to building partnerships, strengthening shared prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.
The announcement quickly drew criticism from regional powers. Egypt said its foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, held calls on Friday with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to discuss what they called “dangerous developments” following Israel’s decision.
In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry said the ministers strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, and warned that recognizing breakaway regions threatens international peace and security.
Somaliland has operated with de facto autonomy since 1991, when Somalia collapsed into civil war. The former British protectorate has remained relatively peaceful and stable, but until now has not been formally recognized by any country.
For years, Somalia has actively lobbied the international community to block any recognition of Somaliland’s independence. Despite this, Somaliland’s leaders hope Israel’s move will open the door for other nations to follow, boosting its diplomatic standing and access to global markets.
Earlier this year, both Somalia and Somaliland denied reports that the United States or Israel had proposed resettling Palestinians from Gaza in the region. Somalia said it had categorically rejected any such idea.
Israel’s recognition marks a historic first for Somaliland — and a move likely to reverberate well beyond the Horn of Africa.
