Israel has officially recognised Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”. It has also signed an agreement to set up full diplomatic relations with the region. The announcement was made on Friday by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Calling it a major development, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the move as a “historic moment” and said it marked the start of a “strategic partnership” between the two sides.
Netanyahu’s office confirmed the decision, saying, “The prime minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.”
With this step, Israel became the first country in the world to formally recognise Somaliland as a nation.
Strong Reaction From Somalia and Africa
The decision triggered anger from Somalia and the African Union (AU). The AU rejected Israel’s move and said Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia.
Several African countries accused Israel of violating Somalia’s sovereignty and interfering in the region.
What Is Somaliland?
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 after years of conflict. Since then, it has functioned like an independent country, even though it has never received official global recognition.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who took office last year, has made international recognition a top goal.
Somaliland has its own currency, passports, and military forces. It is located along the Gulf of Aden, an important shipping route. Despite this, the region has remained economically weak because it has been isolated from global financial systems.
Without recognition, Somaliland has had limited access to foreign loans, aid, and investments, which has kept the economy underdeveloped.
While Somalia has been affected by decades of civil war, Somaliland has stayed mostly peaceful.
Tensions With Somalia and Ethiopia
Last year, tensions increased when Ethiopia, which does not have a coastline, made a deal with Somaliland to lease part of its coast for a port and military base. Somalia strongly opposed this deal, calling it a violation of its sovereignty.
Even though no country had officially recognised Somaliland before Israel, several nations including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan already operate liaison offices there.
Israel and Somaliland to Open Embassies
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said the two sides would establish “full diplomatic ties, which will include the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies”.
In a video call between Netanyahu and Abdullahi, the Israeli leader said:
“I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best.”
Netanyahu also said he would inform Donald Trump about Abdullahi’s “willingness and desire to join the Abraham accords”.
These agreements, launched in 2020, were arranged during Trump’s first term and led to Israel establishing relations with the UAE and Bahrain, with other countries like Morocco joining later.
Global Backlash Grows
Many African nations criticised Israel’s move and called it a “deliberate attack” on Somalia’s sovereignty.
The African Union warned that the decision could “set a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.
The Palestinian Authority and Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Egypt and Regional Powers Respond
Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with officials from Turkey, Somalia, and Djibouti. Together, they condemned Israel’s decision and expressed “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.
Trump Rules Out US Recognition
When asked by the New York Post whether the United States would also recognise Somaliland, Donald Trump said “no”. He added, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”
The issue remains highly sensitive and could reshape political and diplomatic relations across the Horn of Africa.
Also Read: Rajasthan Government to Include Sahibzadas’ Sacrifice in Primary Education: CM Bhajanlal Sharma
