Israel Recognizes Somaliland as Independent State, Establishes Full Diplomatic Ties
Israel has formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation, marking a historic milestone and making Israel the first country in the world to grant official recognition to the self-governing region.
The announcement followed the signing of a joint and mutual declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi. The agreement establishes full diplomatic relations between the two sides, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
Netanyahu Praises Somaliland Leadership
Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated President Abdillahi on the agreement, praising his leadership and Somaliland’s commitment to security, stability, and peace. He described the recognition as a strategic step in strengthening Israel’s ties with Africa and advancing regional cooperation.
Netanyahu also extended an official invitation to President Abdillahi to visit Israel in the near future.
Part of the Abraham Accords Vision
Netanyahu said the declaration aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the landmark normalization framework launched in 2020 that reshaped diplomatic relations between Israel and several countries.
President Abdillahi welcomed the recognition, stating that Somali land intends to join the Abraham Accords. He described the move as a pathway toward greater regional and global peace, economic cooperation, and international engagement across the Middle East and Africa.
Expanding Cooperation
Israeli officials said future cooperation with Somali land will focus on agriculture, healthcare, technology, security, and economic development. Sa’ar later confirmed that Israel’s Foreign Ministry had been instructed to immediately institutionalize bilateral relations across a wide range of sectors.
Somaliland’s Foreign Ministry responded by calling the recognition a turning point, stating that the region’s “moment has arrived” and signaling further official announcements ahead.
Somaliland’s Long Quest for Recognition
Somaliland has maintained effective self-rule and relative stability since 1991, when Somalia collapsed into civil war. Despite its functioning government and security institutions, the former British protectorate has long struggled to gain international recognition, facing consistent opposition from Somalia.
Officials in Somali land hope that Israel’s recognition will encourage other nations to follow suit, boosting Somali land’s diplomatic standing and access to global markets.
The move represents a significant geopolitical development in the Horn of Africa and signals a new chapter in Israel’s expanding international partnerships.
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