Historic Recognition: Israel Acknowledges Somaliland as an Independent State

Mon Feb 02 2026 19:20:30 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

In a landmark decision, Israel has recognized Somaliland's sovereignty, paving the way for new diplomatic ties and regional partnerships. Somaliland's President hails it as a historic moment, while Somalia's government vehemently denounces the move.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, making it the first nation to do so. This recognition is expected to foster bilateral cooperation between Israel and Somaliland in areas such as agriculture and technology. Somaliland's President has described this declaration as historic, while Somalia's government has strongly opposed the move, emphasizing its implications for national sovereignty. The recognition by Israel may encourage further international recognition for Somaliland, although regional tensions are likely to intensify.

Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel intends to immediately expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology. Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, called the development 'a historic moment.'

The recognition by Israel could encourage other nations to follow suit, potentially increasing Somaliland's diplomatic legitimacy and access to international markets.

Somalia's prime minister, Hamza Abdi Barre, responded by rejecting what he described as a deliberate assault on his country's sovereignty.

President Abdullahi expressed Somaliland's commitment to joining the Abraham Accords, viewing this as a step toward enhancing regional and global peace.

The decision has drawn condemnation from the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who affirmed their 'total rejection' of Israel's announcement.

Under the new diplomatic agreement, Israel and Somaliland will establish full diplomatic ties, including appointing ambassadors and opening embassies, as stated by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

Meanwhile, Egypt's foreign minister has held discussions with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti regarding the potential ramifications of Israel's recognition.

The foreign ministers reiterated their commitment to Somalia's unity and warned against actions that could undermine international law and stability in the region.

Somaliland, which has been self-governing since its declaration of independence from Somalia in 1991, continues to assert its status with its own government structures, despite lacking widespread international recognition.