Israel officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a major diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision on Friday, confirming that Israel and Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration formalizing the recognition.
The declaration was signed alongside Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah.
Netanyahu said the agreement was inspired by the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which were initiated under former United States President Donald Trump to normalize relations between Israel and several countries in the region.
“This declaration reflects our shared commitment to peace, stability and cooperation,” Netanyahu said, praising President Abdallah’s leadership and Somaliland’s role in promoting security in a strategically important region. He formally invited the Somaliland president to make an official visit to Israel.
President Abdallah welcomed Israel’s recognition, describing it as a historic milestone for Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international acknowledgment.
He expressed gratitude to Netanyahu and the Israeli government, while commending Israel’s efforts in combating terrorism and fostering regional peace.
Netanyahu also acknowledged the role played by Foreign Minister Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea, and the Israeli intelligence service in facilitating the diplomatic breakthrough.
Following the recognition, Israel announced plans to rapidly expand bilateral relations with Somaliland.
According to Netanyahu, cooperation will focus on key sectors including agriculture, health, technology and economic development.
“I wish the people of Somaliland success, prosperity and freedom,” Netanyahu said.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated as a self-governing entity for more than three decades but has not previously received formal recognition from any United Nations member state. Israel’s move is expected to draw regional and international attention, with potential geopolitical implications across the Horn of Africa.
The issue of Somaliland independence is thorny in Mogadishu. Somalia has never accepted Somaliland’s independence. Somalia cabinet was due to hold an urgent meeting on Friday evening to deliberate the government’s position on the issue. Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Abdisalam Abdi Ali, participated in a call with the foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, during which they reiterated their support for Somalia’s unity. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the agreement followed a year of extensive dialogue between the two governments and was based on a joint decision by Netanyahu and Cirro to establish full ties, including the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in both countries.
The Somaliland president said the move “marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that advances mutual interests, strengthens regional peace and security, and delivers shared benefits to all stakeholders”.
‘Complex’ issue
The recognition represents a dramatic shift in Somaliland’s fortunes after years of diplomatic isolation.
The region seceded from Somalia during a brutal civil war that followed decades under the dictatorship of Siad Barre, whose forces devastated the north. While large parts of Somalia descended into chaos, Somaliland stabilised by the late 1990s.
Somaliland has developed a distinct political identity from Somalia, with its own currency, flag, and parliament. But its eastern regions remain disputed by communities who do not back the separatist programme in the capital Hargeisa.
In recent years, Somaliland developed ties with the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan as it sought international acceptance.
Rumours had swirled for months that Trump would push for recognition, with Somaliland even appearing in the Project 2025 document, though no move materialised until now.
Prominent figures within the Republican Party, including Senator Ted Cruz, have been vocal advocates for deepened ties between Somaliland and Israel. Cruz has repeatedly urged the US to recognise Somaliland, often remarking without elaboration that the region was pro-Israel.
In August, Trump signalled that he was preparing to move on the issue when asked about Somaliland during a White House news conference. “Another complex one, but we’re working on that one, Somaliland,” he said.
The US, as yet, has not changed its position on the issue.
The announcement comes amid dampening US interest in Somalia, with Trump repeatedly carrying out verbal attacks on the country and its president.
Earlier this year, speculation emerged linking potential recognition of Somaliland to plans for Palestinian resettlement from Gaza, though those reports never materialised into concrete proposals.
In 2024, Ethiopia also sought a pact with Somaliland, offering recognition in exchange for sea access for Addis Ababa, but backed down under diplomatic pressure.
Somalia operates a federal system granting significant autonomy to its member states. Two key states, Puntland and Jubaland, have withdrawn from the system amid constitutional and electoral disputes.
In a post on X, Puntland’s interior minister said patience pays off, signaling that he viewed the development favorably. “#Puntland needs to calculate strategically,” Juha Farah said.
“Basically, you already have a series of de facto states, and Israel’s message is that if you provide strategic value, recognition becomes transactional rather than principled,” he added.
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