Israel Becomes First Country to Formally Recognise Somaliland
Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move announced on Friday that could affect regional dynamics and Somalia’s long-standing opposition to Somaliland’s separation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.
Netanyahu said the declaration “is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump.” The accords, signed in 2020, led to Israel normalising relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.
Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Abdullahi signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, according to an Israeli statement.
Abdullahi said Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step toward regional and global peace, and said Somaliland aimed to build partnerships and promote stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Somalia’s government condemned the move as an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, rejecting any recognition of Somaliland.
“The federal government affirms its determination to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in accordance with international law, to defend its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders,” the statement said.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described the decision as “illegal aggression” and “contrary to established legal and diplomatic rules.”
The European Union urged respect for Somalia’s unity and called for “meaningful dialogue” between Mogadishu and Somaliland.
