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Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that both nations have established full diplomatic relations. Somalia, from which Somaliland declared independence in 1991, has not accepted Somaliland’s independence, and no United Nations member state had recognised it until now. Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region follows a year of extensive dialogue between the two governments and marks a shift in Somaliland’s fortunes after many years of diplomatic isolation.
Israel Recognises Somaliland – A Global First
Israel has become the first country to officially recognise Somaliland, culminating the breakaway region’s longstanding pursuit for international legitimacy.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that full diplomatic relations with Somaliland have been established, reflecting the spirit of the Abraham Accords, an initiative under former U.S. President Donald Trump.
This development marks a major milestone for Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received recognition from any UN member state. Somaliland controls the northwest region of what was once the British Protectorate in northern Somalia.
Somalia has consistently denied Somaliland’s independence. On receiving the news, the Somali government reportedly held an urgent meeting to discuss their stance on this development.
Netanyahu lauded Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for his leadership and invited him to visit Israel. The Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stated that the agreement followed extensive dialogue and was based on a mutual decision to establish full diplomatic ties.
President Abdullahi welcomed the development as a monumental moment and expressed readiness for Somaliland to join the Abraham Accords. He also characterized the move as the inception of a strategic partnership that fosters mutual interests, enhances regional peace and security, and delivers shared benefits.
A Shift in Somaliland’s Fortunes
Israel’s recognition signifies a dramatic change in Somaliland’s fortune after years of diplomatic isolation. The region seceded from Somalia during a brutal civil war and has managed to stabilize and develop its own political identity. Yet, some regions still contest the separatist programme from the capital, Hargeisa.
In recent years, Somaliland has fostered relations with the United Arab Emirates and Taiwan in its bid for international acceptance. Speculations had been rife that Trump would push for recognition, with the region featuring in the Project 2025 document. Nonetheless, this plan did not materialize until now.
The US, however, has not altered its stance on the issue. This development follows a decline in US interest in Somalia, often criticized by Trump. Rumours earlier this year suggested that potential recognition of Somaliland could be linked to plans for Palestinian resettlement from Gaza, but no concrete proposals have surfaced.
Given Israel’s recognition, experts are uncertain whether other countries will follow suit. However, it could inspire other de facto states seeking recognition, making it a transactional rather than principled process.
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