Israel has become the first country worldwide to formally recognise Somaliland’s declaration of independence, marking a significant diplomatic shift amid the self-declared republic’s long quest for international legitimacy since 1991, while Somalia condemns the move as a violation of its territorial integrity.
Israel recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday, December 26, 2025, in a landmark decision announced from Jerusalem, positioning the move as a strategic partnership focused on security, technology, and economic cooperation in the Horn of Africa region.
Announcement Details Israel’s Diplomatic Breakthrough
According to Africanews, Israel’s recognition establishes Somaliland as the first nation to gain such status from any country since its unilateral declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision in an official statement, highlighting mutual interests in counter-terrorism, maritime security, and technological innovation. Reuters reports that the agreement includes plans for direct flights, enhanced trade, and joint military training exercises between the two entities. Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi Irro welcomed the development, stating it represented a “new chapter of hope and partnership,” as quoted by BBC News.
As reported by Michael Georgy for Reuters, the Israeli government described the recognition as “a pragmatic step forward in a volatile region,” emphasising Somaliland’s stability relative to neighbouring Somalia, which has grappled with Al-Shabaab insurgency for years.
Somaliland’s Quest for Recognition and Historical Context
Somaliland, located in the northwest of the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following the collapse of Somalia’s central government amid civil war. Despite conducting democratic elections, maintaining relative peace, and developing infrastructure in its capital Hargeisa, no United Nations member state had previously recognised its sovereignty, according to Al Jazeera. The region’s economy relies heavily on livestock exports and remittances, with a population estimated at around 6 million. Israel’s decision breaks this isolation, potentially opening doors for further diplomatic engagements.
Somalia’s Strong Opposition and Regional Reactions
The Somali federal government in Mogadishu swiftly rejected Israel’s recognition, with Foreign Minister Ali Omar Sharmarke labelling it “null and void” and a “dangerous precedent,” as reported by AP News. Somalia, a member of the African Union, maintains that Somaliland remains part of its territory under international law. The African Union has not commented officially yet, but historical positions affirm Somalia’s borders as they stood at independence in 1960. Ethiopia, which signed a controversial memorandum of understanding with Somaliland in January 2024 for sea access, expressed support for bilateral engagements without endorsing recognition, per The Guardian.
Strategic Implications for Regional Security and Trade
Reporting by Declan Walsh for The New York Times indicates that Israel’s move aligns with its expanding influence in Africa, particularly targeting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden chokepoints vital for global shipping. Somaliland’s Berbera port, recently upgraded with Emirati investment, offers Israel a strategic foothold amid Houthi threats in Yemen. According to Bloomberg, potential economic deals could encompass cybersecurity expertise from Israel and mineral exploration rights in Somaliland. No immediate military deployments were announced, but sources cited by CNN suggest intelligence-sharing protocols are under discussion. The United States and European Union have urged restraint, with a State Department spokesperson noting awareness of the development without formal endorsement, as per Politico.
In summary, Israel’s pioneering recognition of Somaliland on December 26, 2025, has ignited diplomatic tensions with Somalia while promising new avenues for cooperation in security and trade, as covered by multiple international outlets including Reuters, BBC News, and Al Jazeera.
