Historic Recognition Meets Widespread Condemnation
In a move that has sent shockwaves through international diplomacy, Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The announcement, made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 26, 2025, has triggered immediate and forceful rejections from Somalia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and several international bodies.
Somaliland, a breakaway region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has functioned as a de facto independent state for over three decades with its own government, currency, and security forces. Despite maintaining relative stability and democratic progress in a volatile region, it has lacked international recognition until now.
Regional Powers Unite in Opposition
The Somali government in Mogadishu wasted no time in condemning what it called an 'illegal decision and a deliberate attack on Somalia's sovereignty'. Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and has consistently opposed any recognition of its independence.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry discussed the recognition with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, warning that 'the recognition of regions that have seceded could threaten international peace and security'. The Egyptian ministry's statement reflects broader concerns about setting precedents for separatist movements across Africa and the Middle East.
Saudi Arabia issued a particularly strong statement, affirming its 'full support for Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity'. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs explicitly rejected Israel's move as 'a violation of international law' and warned against attempts to create parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity.
The Abraham Accords Connection
Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the recognition as acting 'in the spirit of the Abraham Accords', referring to the 2020 normalization agreements between Israel and several Arab states including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. These agreements, brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump, marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern diplomacy.
However, the Gaza war that began in October 2023 had stalled further expansion of the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu's move appears to represent a new diplomatic strategy to gain allies in the strategically important Horn of Africa region, particularly for potential operations against Yemen's Houthi rebels who have threatened Red Sea shipping.
Somaliland's Long Road to Recognition
Somaliland has a distinct history as a former British protectorate that gained independence in 1960 before voluntarily uniting with Italian Somaliland to form the Somali Republic. Following the collapse of the Somali government in 1991 and years of conflict, Somaliland declared independence but has remained unrecognized by the United Nations and most countries.
Despite this, Somaliland has developed functioning democratic institutions, held peaceful elections, and maintained relative stability. The territory has attracted foreign investment, particularly in the Port of Berbera, which has seen significant UAE investment. According to the Council on Foreign Relations, Somaliland's GDP stands at roughly $7 billion, largely from remittances, with livestock as its main export.
International Reactions and Implications
The African Union echoed concerns about the recognition's potential to threaten regional stability. The organization has traditionally supported Somalia's territorial integrity and has been cautious about recognizing breakaway states on the continent.
Former President Donald Trump, whose administration brokered the original Abraham Accords, appeared surprised when asked about the development, responding with 'No comment' before adding, 'We're studying it. I study a lot of things, always make great decisions and they always turn out to be correct.'
Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed the recognition, calling it 'a step forward toward peace in the region and the rest of the world'. He accepted Netanyahu's invitation to visit Israel and announced cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and economic development.
Strategic Calculations in the Horn of Africa
Analysts suggest Israel's recognition serves multiple strategic purposes. The Horn of Africa sits at the crossroads of vital shipping lanes in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, areas where Israel has significant security interests. As reported by ABC News, Israel may be seeking allies for potential operations against Houthi rebels in Yemen who have targeted international shipping.
The move also represents Israel's continued efforts to expand diplomatic relations in Africa, following years of improved ties with several African nations. However, the strong backlash from Arab states suggests this recognition may complicate rather than advance Israel's broader normalization efforts in the region.
As international reactions continue to pour in, the recognition of Somaliland represents one of the most significant diplomatic developments of 2025, with potential implications for regional stability, international law, and the future of state recognition in the 21st century.