African Union, Egypt warn recognition threatens regional stability
Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, a move that could significantly alter regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa and intensify tensions with Somalia.
The announcement was made through a joint declaration signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, marking a diplomatic breakthrough for the breakaway region that has sought international recognition for more than three decades.
Netanyahu Invokes Abraham Accords
Prime Minister Netanyahu said Israel would move swiftly to establish cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology, and economic development.
Congratulating President Abdullahi, Netanyahu praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel. He described the recognition as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” the U.S.-brokered agreements launched in 2020 that normalised relations between Israel and several Arab states.
Israeli officials said the recognition reflected Israel’s broader strategy of expanding diplomatic ties across Africa and the Middle East.
Somaliland Welcomes Historic Step
President Abdullahi hailed Israel’s decision as a historic milestone, saying Somaliland would formally join the Abraham Accords.
In his statement, he described the move as a step toward regional and global peace, adding that Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity, and promoting stability across Africa and the Middle East.
Somaliland has maintained effective self-rule and relative stability since 1991, when Somalia collapsed into civil war, but has remained unrecognised internationally — until now.
Somalia Condemns Move as “Unlawful”
Somalia’s federal government strongly condemned Israel’s decision, calling it an “unlawful step” and a “deliberate attack” on Somalia’s sovereignty.
In a statement, the prime minister’s office said Mogadishu would pursue all diplomatic, political, and legal avenues under international law to defend Somalia’s unity and internationally recognised borders.
Somalia has long opposed any recognition of Somaliland and has actively lobbied global actors to reject such moves.
Egypt and African Union Reject Recognition
Egypt also reacted sharply, with Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty holding urgent consultations with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti.
According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, the ministers condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that recognising breakaway regions threatens international peace and security and undermines state sovereignty.
The African Union echoed those concerns, reaffirming its “unwavering commitment” to Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. The AU warned that unilateral recognitions risk destabilising the continent and weakening fragile peace processes.
Wider Implications
Somaliland hopes Israel’s recognition will encourage other nations to follow suit, strengthening its diplomatic standing and access to international markets.
However, analysts say the move could deepen regional fault lines, particularly at a time of heightened instability in the Horn of Africa and growing geopolitical competition in the Red Sea region.
Earlier this year, both Somalia and Somaliland denied reports of proposals by the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in the region, with Mogadishu categorically rejecting any such plan.