Jerusalem/Mogadishu: In a historic diplomatic breakthrough that has drawn sharp criticism from African leaders, Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state.
The move ends a 34-year diplomatic isolation for the breakaway region, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had previously failed to secure recognition from any UN member nation.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar announced on Friday that the two nations had signed an agreement to establish full diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office framed the declaration as being in the "spirit" of the Abraham Accords. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking via video call with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, described the new friendship as "historic" and invited the African leader to visit Jerusalem.
The decision has triggered immediate backlash from the African Union (AU) and regional powers. The AU firmly rejected the move, warning that it undermines Somalia's territorial integrity and sets a "dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent." Somalia’s foreign ministry termed the recognition a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty. Turkey and Egypt also condemned the initiative, with Ankara accusing Israel of interfering in Somalia’s domestic affairs to distract from the Palestinian issue.
Strategically, analysts suggest Israel’s interest lies in Somaliland’s geography. The region is situated near Yemen, potentially offering Israel a forward base for intelligence monitoring and operations against Houthi rebels. A recent report by the Institute for National Security Studies in Israel highlighted Somaliland's potential utility for logistical support and direct operations in the Red Sea region.
The development has also highlighted divisions within US foreign policy circles. While Republican Senator Ted Cruz and the architects of Project 2025 advocated for recognition to counter Chinese influence in neighbouring Djibouti, President Donald Trump expressed opposition. In an interview with the New York Post, Trump dismissed the idea, asking, "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" US administration officials reportedly fear the move could jeopardise military cooperation with Somalia in the fight against Islamist movement al-Shabaab.