Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state

Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough for the Horn of Africa region and ending decades of Somaliland’s quest for international recognition.

The announcement was made on December 26, when Israeli leaders confirmed the establishment of full diplomatic relations with Somaliland, a self-governing region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The move makes Israel the first United Nations member state to officially acknowledge Somaliland’s sovereignty.

Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent entity for more than three decades, with its own government, parliament, currency, and security forces. Despite maintaining relative stability compared to the rest of Somalia, it had remained unrecognized internationally until now.

Israeli officials said the decision was based on Somaliland’s long-standing self-governance, democratic processes, and strategic location near the Red Sea shipping lanes. Both sides have expressed interest in expanding cooperation in areas such as agriculture, healthcare, technology, trade, and security. Plans are also underway to open diplomatic missions and formalize bilateral agreements.

The recognition has triggered strong reactions across the region and beyond. Somalia’s federal government condemned the move, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Mogadishu said it would pursue diplomatic efforts to challenge Israel’s decision through international forums.

The African Union reiterated its support for Somalia’s unity, warning that unilateral recognition of breakaway regions could set a destabilizing precedent on the continent. Several countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Egypt and Turkey, also voiced concern over the announcement.

International response has so far been cautious. Major powers such as the United States and members of the European Union have not followed Israel’s lead, instead urging dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland to resolve their long-standing dispute peacefully.

For Somaliland, Israel’s recognition is being hailed as a historic milestone that could pave the way for wider international acceptance and economic opportunities. Analysts say the move could encourage other countries to reconsider Somaliland’s status, though widespread recognition is expected to remain politically sensitive.

As regional diplomacy adjusts to this development, Israel’s decision has injected new momentum into debates over self-determination, sovereignty, and stability in the Horn of Africa.