Israel has officially recognised Somaliland as a sovereign nation and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, marking the first time any country has formally acknowledged the self-declared state’s independence.
In a statement released on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel now recognises the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign country. The announcement makes Israel the first nation to take such a step.
According to Netanyahu’s office, the decision aligns with the principles of the Abraham Accords — the US-brokered agreements that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states during former US President Donald Trump’s first term.
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Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, welcomed the recognition, describing it as a historic breakthrough and the foundation of a new strategic alliance.
Calling the move a “historic moment,” Abdullahi said Somaliland was prepared to normalise relations with Israel and expressed willingness to join the Abraham Accords. He shared the message in a post on X.
Somaliland has sought international recognition since it broke away from Somalia in 1991. Securing global legitimacy has been a central objective for Abdullahi since assuming office last year.
Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, said both countries had agreed to establish comprehensive diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies. He added that Israel’s foreign ministry had been directed to move quickly to formalise cooperation across multiple sectors.
Netanyahu has also extended an invitation to Abdullahi to visit Israel, thanking him for what his office described as a landmark moment in bilateral relations.
Situated along the Gulf of Aden, Somaliland operates as a de facto state with its own currency, passport system, and security forces. However, decades without international recognition have left the region economically isolated, limiting access to foreign aid, loans, and investment, and contributing to widespread poverty.
Tensions in the Horn of Africa intensified last year after Somaliland reached an agreement with landlocked Ethiopia to lease part of its coastline for port development and a military facility — a move that angered Somalia.
Israel has continued efforts to expand its diplomatic footprint in Africa and the Middle East, following the 2020 normalisation agreements with countries such as the United Arab Emirates and Morocco. However, ongoing regional conflicts — particularly the war in Gaza — have complicated further diplomatic outreach by fuelling public opposition across the Arab world.
