Israel Became First Country to Recognizes Somaliland
26th Dec. 2025
Israel on Friday has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first country to do so. The announcement was followed by a joint declaration signed by Israeli officials and Somaliland’s president. The decision was described by Israeli leaders as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”.
Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone, after the declaration was signed. Both sides said that they would open embassies and appoint ambassadors soon. Israel also outlined plans for cooperation in areas such as agriculture, health, technology and trade.
Roots of the Somaliland dispute.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after the collapse of the Somali central government. Since then it has operated with its own institutions and relative stability, yet it has lacked wide international recognition. For decades, many countries have maintained liaison offices rather than full diplomatic relations.
Supporters of Somaliland say that the formal recognition reflects on-the-ground realities. Critics have warned that recognition risks undermining the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia. Those concerns were also voiced sharply by Somalia’s government and by several regional states almost immediately after the Israel’s announcement.
Regional backlash and geopolitical stakes in recognizing Somaliland.
Somalia has condemned the move, calling it a violation of its territorial integrity. Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti, among many other countries have also expressed serious concern. The African Union has reiterated its support to Somalia’s unity and warned that the unilateral recognition could destabilize the region.
It should be noted that the strategic calculations have played a important role. Somaliland sits at the mouth of the Red Sea and controls the port of Berbera. The port has attracted investment and military interest from many regional powers. Analysts say formal ties could give Israel new access and partners in a strategically vital corridor. Somaliland, for its part, has indicated it’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords framework.
What comes next after the Recognition?
Israel said that it would soon begin establishing formal diplomatic ties and will fast-track cooperation projects. Somaliland’s government hailed the recognition as a historic step toward broader international acceptance. Meanwhile, Somalia vowed to take diplomatic, political and legal measures to defend its sovereignty.
This diplomatic move by Israel is likely to prompt further debate in capitals across Africa, the Middle East and beyond. For now, the recognition marks a clear break from decades of international caution over Somaliland’s status, and it has already started reshaping conversations about borders, influence and alliances in the Horn of Africa.
Web References on Israel Recognizes Somaliland:
1. Reuters.com : Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland.
2. Aljazeera.com: Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland.
3. TheGuardian.com: Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as sovereign.
4. Bbc.com: Israel recognises Somaliland as independent state.