Israel recognises Somaliland, sparking sharp backlash from Somalia

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Israel has formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This move marks a major diplomatic shift in the Horn of Africa and has drawn an angry response from Somalia.

Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s Prime Minister, announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations. He described the agreement as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, the United States brokered deals that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab states.

“I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.”

“This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump. I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.”

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Netanyahu said the declaration was signed alongside Gideon Sa’ar, Israel’s foreign minister, and Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Somaliland president, also known as Abdirahman Cirro. He congratulated Cirro and praised his leadership, saying Israel planned to quickly expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.

In a statement, Netanyahu said the move would strengthen regional stability and peace, adding that he had invited the Somaliland president to make an official visit to Israel. He also thanked David Barnea, head of Mossad, and Israel intelligence services for their role in the process.

“I congratulated the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and praised his leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace. I invited the President to pay an official visit to Israel.”

“The President thanked me for this historic declaration and expressed appreciation for my achievements in fighting terrorism and advancing regional peace.”

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Somaliland welcomed the announcement as a historic moment. Cirro said the recognition marked the beginning of a strategic partnership and signalled Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords. He said the agreement would advance shared interests and bring benefits to the region.

Somalia reacted swiftly. Al Jazeera reported that the government described Israel’s decision as an “attack on its sovereignty” and an “unlawful action”, insisting that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the Siad Barre government but has never been recognised by any United Nations member state.

Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Somalia’s foreign minister, later held talks with his counterparts from Egypt, Turkiye and Djibouti, with all four countries reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity. The Egyptian foreign ministry warned that recognising a breakaway region within a sovereign country sets a dangerous precedent and violates the United Nations Charter.

Respect for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states is a fundamental pillar of international stability and must not be violated under any pretext, the ministry said.

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Somaliland controls the northwestern territory of what was once the British Protectorate in northern Somalia. While much of Somalia descended into prolonged conflict, Somaliland established relative stability by the late 1990s and developed its own political institutions, currency and security forces. However, parts of its eastern regions remain disputed.

In recent years, Somaliland has deepened ties with the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan as it has pushed for international recognition. Some figures within the Republican Party, including Ted Cruz, United States senator, have openly called for Washington to recognise Somaliland.

Trump himself hinted at possible movement on the issue earlier this year, describing Somaliland as a complex matter but saying his administration was working on it. The United States has not officially changed its position.

According to Al Jazeera, the Israeli announcement comes at a time of declining United States engagement with Somalia, alongside repeated criticism of the country by Trump, adding further uncertainty to an already sensitive regional dispute.

Faith Omoboye is a foreign affairs correspondent with background in History and International relations. Her work focuses on African politics, diplomacy, and global governance.

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