Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State

Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, the Israeli government announced on Friday.

Somaliland, a Muslim-majority region in northern Somalia with a population of several million, has functioned as a de facto independent entity for more than 30 years, despite lacking international recognition.

The recognition was formalised through a joint statement signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. Israel said the decision was taken “in the spirit” of the Abraham Accords.

Launched in 2020 under the administration of U.S. President Donald Trump, the Abraham Accords paved the way for the normalisation of relations between Israel and several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan.

Israel’s move has triggered criticism and concern among regional and international actors. The African Union (AU), which represents all 55 internationally recognised African states, warned that any action undermining Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity could set “a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”

Somalia has long opposed international recognition of Somaliland, insisting that the region remains an integral part of its territory.