What Is ‘Somaliland’, Horn Of Africa Territory Now Recognised As An ‘Independent State’ By Israel?

Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state,” becoming the first country to do so and triggering sharp reactions across Africa and the Middle East.

The announcement was

made on Friday by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which also confirmed that Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations.

Welcoming the move, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described it as a “historic moment” and the start of a “strategic partnership” between the two sides.

Netanyahu, speaking to Abdullahi over the phone, said he was “very proud of this day” and extended his best wishes to the people of Somaliland.

However, the decision drew strong opposition from Somalia and the African Union (AU).

The AU rejected Israel’s recognition, reiterating that Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia and warning that the move could set a dangerous precedent for peace and stability on the continent.

What Is Somaliland?

Somaliland is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Somali state.

Despite functioning as a de facto independent entity for more than three decades, it has remained unrecognised by the international community.

The region has its own government, constitution, currency, passports and security forces. It has also held multiple elections and maintained relative stability, even as Somalia has grappled with prolonged civil war and political turmoil.

President Abdullahi, who assumed office last year, has made international recognition a central pillar of his administration.

Despite its strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, Somaliland’s lack of recognition has restricted access to international loans, foreign aid and large-scale investment, contributing to persistent economic hardship.

Tensions surrounding Somaliland intensified last year after landlocked Ethiopia signed an agreement to lease part of Somaliland’s coastline for a port and a military facility, a move Somalia strongly opposed as a violation of its sovereignty.

Although no country had formally recognised Somaliland until now, several states, including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, the UAE, Denmark, Kenya and Taiwan, maintain liaison or representative offices in the region.

Following Israel’s decision, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar said both sides had agreed to establish full diplomatic ties, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

Netanyahu also indicated he would convey to US President Donald Trump Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords, the US-brokered agreements under which Israel normalised relations with several Arab countries.

Global Reaction

Israel’s move was criticised by several African nations, which described it as an attack on Somalia’s territorial integrity. The African Union said the recognition could have “far-reaching implications” for regional stability.

The Palestinian Authority and Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also rejected the decision. Egypt said its foreign minister had held consultations with counterparts in Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, with all sides reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.

Asked whether the United States would follow Israel’s lead, Trump ruled out recognising Somaliland, remarking, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?”