Israel Becomes First Country To Recognise Somaliland As Independent State
Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent nation, marking a major diplomatic milestone for the self-declared state in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a decade-long war of independence led by the Somali National Movement (SNM) against the regime of former dictator Siad Barre. Despite operating with its own government, currency, military and democratic elections, Somaliland has long lacked international recognition and is still regarded by most countries and the United Nations (UN) as part of Somalia. The Somali government has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claim to independence.
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations.
“This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump,” Netanyahu said.
While Netanyahu did not provide detailed reasons for Israel’s decision, analysts point to shared strategic interests between both parties, particularly in Red Sea security and regional stability. Somaliland’s location along the Gulf of Aden gives it strategic importance, an area where Israel seeks to strengthen its presence amid threats from the Houthis and Iran.
In recent years, Somaliland has deepened relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a signatory to the Abraham Accords, as well as Taiwan, as part of efforts to gain international recognition.
Former US President Donald Trump had earlier hinted at possible action on Somaliland. Speaking at a White House news conference in August, he said: “Another complex one, but we’re working on that one, Somaliland.” However, the United States has not officially changed its position on the issue.
Reacting to the development, Somalia’s Prime Minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, strongly condemned Israel’s decision, stating that Somalia “categorically and unequivocally rejects” what he described as a deliberate violation of the country’s sovereignty.
