Israel becomes the first nation to recognize Somaliland’s independence, sparking regional tensions and a potential shift in international diplomacy.
news, Somaliland, Israel, independence, Middle East, Africa, diplomacy, international relations, recognition
By Tom McArthur and Abdirahman Ali Dhimbil
In a landmark move, Israel has become the first nation to officially recognise the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent country. The announcement was met with celebration by Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who hailed the decision as “a historic moment.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel intends to swiftly broaden collaboration with Somaliland, especially in vital sectors such as agriculture, health, and technology.
Israel’s recognition could pave the way for other countries to follow suit, significantly enhancing Somaliland’s diplomatic presence and economic prospects on the global stage.
President Abdullahi signalled Somaliland’s intention to join the Abraham Accords, thereby aligning itself with a bloc focused on strengthening peace and cooperation in the Middle East and Africa.
Despite the fanfare in Hargeisa and Jerusalem, the move has attracted stark opposition from the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti. In a joint statement, these nations expressed their unequivocal rejection of Israel’s declaration and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
Egypt’s foreign ministry underscored its concern through a series of calls with regional counterparts, cautioning against any actions believed to undermine stability or create parallel entities within Somalia. These countries argue that international acceptance of Somaliland’s independence could set a dangerous precedent under international law and United Nations principles, potentially destabilizing established sovereign states.
Furthermore, the group reiterated their opposition to any proposals that would displace Palestinians outside of their homeland, linking the issue to broader regional concerns.
Over the past several years, Israel has embarked on a campaign to foster improved relations with African and Middle Eastern countries. While conflicts in Gaza and with Iran have posed significant challenges, Israel’s outreach is exemplified by the series of historic Abraham Accords, championed in 2020 during the Trump administration. These deals, as previously covered by the BBC, led to the normalization of relations with several Muslim-majority nations, including the United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
Somaliland, strategically located on the Gulf of Aden, has operated with effective autonomy since 1991, following a war of independence against Somalia’s former military ruler, General Siad Barre. Today, the region maintains its own currency, passport system, police force, and has a population approaching six million.
Despite its functional independence, Somaliland has endured decades of international isolation and a lack of official recognition—until now. This region has increasingly found itself at the center of regional tensions, notably with Somalia, Ethiopia, and Egypt, especially after a controversial deal in which Ethiopia leased access to Somaliland’s coastline for port and military purposes. Learn more about this context in our analysis of the Ethiopia-Somaliland port agreement.
As Israel recognises Somaliland’s independence, diplomatic tensions are inevitable, but the development may also inspire a new era of statecraft and opportunity across Africa and the Middle East. For authoritative background analysis on state recognition and its global impact, visit the Council on Foreign Relations.
The coming months will reveal whether Israel’s decision triggers a cascade of recognitions, reshaping both the fortunes of Somaliland and the diplomatic landscape in one of the world’s most strategically important regions.
Bezalel Zini, an Israeli military reservist on active duty, is accused of smuggling 14 cartons…
Israel declines to comment on the allegation its planes sprayed glyphosate over an area with…
Ahead of the deadline set by Congress, deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said the files…
Their call comes in the wake of a flurry of visits by Western leaders to…
Special US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, Trump's son-in-law, held talks with Russian and…
At least 78 bodies have been buried, while there are fears that around 170 people…