Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

26 December 2025 - In a historic diplomatic development with potential repercussions across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East, Israel has formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, the Israeli government announced on Friday.

The announcement was made on Friday by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the signing of a joint and mutual declaration by Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signed a joint declaration with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, formalising the diplomatic breakthrough and laying the foundation for full diplomatic relations, including plans to appoint ambassadors and open embassies in both capitals.

“The recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state marks a seminal and historic moment, a great opportunity to expand our partnership.” Said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a statement on the diplomatic agreement.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia’s central government in 1991 following years of conflict, establishing its own government, military, currency and democratic institutions, but it has never before received formal recognition from any UN member state.

Recognition by Israel now gives Somaliland a diplomatic foothold that its leaders hope will encourage other countries to follow suit, potentially reshaping regional alignments in the Horn of Africa.

“We thank Prime Minister Netanyahu for what we describe as a historic decision, and we look forward to cooperation in promoting peace and prosperity.” Said President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, in response to the recognition announcement.

Netanyahu framed the move within the broader context of cooperation and peace, describing the agreement as “historic” and inviting President Abdullahi to visit Israel to deepen bilateral ties in areas such as security, trade, agriculture, health and technology.

The declaration was signed “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” the series of normalisation agreements between Israel and Arab states initiated earlier in the decade.

The announcement drew immediate pushback from Somalia and several neighbouring states. Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its sovereign territory, condemned the recognition, underscoring its opposition to any external acknowledgement of Somaliland’s independence.

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Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti also issued statements of firm condemnation, stressing their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and warning against actions that could fuel secessionist movements and instability.

Diplomats and analysts say the move could complicate relationships between Horn of Africa nations and major external powers, especially where issues of border integrity, regional security and maritime strategy intersect.

The Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, key global shipping corridors, already figure prominently in international security calculations.

Israel’s strategic interest in formalising relations may be linked to Somaliland’s location on the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a vital chokepoint for global maritime trade and a focus of military competition involving Yemen’s Houthi movement.

“We will work together to promote relations between our countries and nations, regional stability and economic prosperity,” said Gideon Saar, Israel’s Foreign Minister, on establishing diplomatic ties with Somaliland.

Previous commentary by security experts suggested that deeper ties with Somaliland could offer Israel a regional partner in Red Sea security dynamics.

Somaliland’s leadership hailed the recognition as a major diplomatic milestone that could accelerate its integration into international institutions and open doors for foreign investment and cooperation, while critics warn it risks emboldening separatist movements and undermining regional stability.