By Abdullahi Salad - Reporter
Israel/Somalia, 26 December 2025 — State of Israel has officially recognized the self-declared republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a major political and diplomatic breakthrough with far-reaching implications for the Horn of Africa and the wider Middle East.
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, .
According to the Israeli government, the declaration was issued in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which were launched under the initiative of former U.S. President Donald Trump to promote normalization, stability, and regional cooperation.
In remarks accompanying the signing, Prime Minister Netanyahu described the recognition as a “historic moment,” congratulating President Abdillahi for his leadership and role in promoting peace and stability in the Horn of Africa.
“I am pleased to officially recognize the Republic of Somaliland. This is a historic moment, and I want to congratulate President Abdillahi for his leadership in promoting peace and stability. We believe this recognition will foster greater regional cooperation,” Netanyahu said.
The Israeli Prime Minister also extended an official invitation to President Abdillahi to visit Israel, a move aimed at further consolidating diplomatic ties between the two sides. President Abdillahi welcomed the invitation and confirmed that he intends to visit Jerusalem at the earliest opportunity.
In response, the Somaliland President expressed deep appreciation for Israel’s decision, thanking Netanyahu for what he described as a historic declaration. He praised Israel’s efforts in combating terrorism and advancing regional peace and security.
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“Somaliland sincerely thanks Prime Minister Netanyahu for this historic recognition. We commend Israel’s achievements in fighting terrorism and look forward to deepening our cooperation,” President Abdillahi said.
Netanyahu also acknowledged the role played by Foreign Minister Sa’ar and the Israeli intelligence community, including Mossad Director David Barnea, in facilitating the process that led to the declaration.
Separately, the Somaliland government issued an official statement welcoming Israel’s recognition, describing it as a milestone in Somaliland’s long-standing pursuit of international legitimacy. The statement said the move affirms Somaliland’s historical, legal, and moral claim to statehood and reflects mutual respect and shared interests between the two peoples.
The declaration further announced Somaliland’s intention to accede to the Abraham Accords, framing the decision as part of a broader vision to advance regional and global peace. It also confirmed that the recognition paves the way for the establishment of full diplomatic relations between Somaliland and Israel.
Israel said it plans to immediately expand bilateral relations with Somaliland, focusing on cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the economy. Joint projects aimed at boosting economic growth and improving livelihoods in Somaliland are expected to follow.
Observers say Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could reshape diplomatic dynamics in the Horn of Africa and may encourage other countries to reconsider their stance on Somaliland’s decades-long quest for international recognition.
Dawan Africa will continue to monitor developments surrounding this historic shift in regional diplomacy.
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