29/12/2025
*Benjamin Netanyahu recognized Somaliland as an independent state and issued an open diplomatic invitation.*
On December 26, 2025, Israel officially became the first UN member state to formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation. This historic move was formalized through a joint declaration signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
This development marks a significant shift in the Horn of Africa geopolitics, ending decades of diplomatic isolation for Somaliland, which had declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but lacked international recognition until now.
The Recognition Deal
"Spirit of the Abraham Accords": Prime Minister Netanyahu framed the recognition as a continuation of the 2020 Abraham Accords (which normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations).
The leaders signed a mutual declaration establishing full diplomatic relations. This includes the intent to exchange ambassadors and open embassies in their respective capitals.
Areas of Cooperation: The agreement outlines immediate cooperation in sectors such as agriculture, technology, health, and counter-terrorism.
The recognition comes with a Diplomatic
Open Invitation: During the video call where the agreement was finalized, Prime Minister Netanyahu explicitly invited President Abdullahi to pay an official state visit to Israel.
President Abdullahi accepted the invitation, stating he intends to visit Jerusalem "as soon as possible."
International Reaction & Context
Somaliland's Status: Before this, Somaliland was a de facto state with its own government, currency, and military, but was viewed internationally as a breakaway region of Somalia. Taiwan was previously the only other entity to maintain formal ties, though it is not a UN member.
The move triggered immediate condemnation from the Federal Government of Somalia (Mogadishu), which called it an "act of aggression" and a violation of its sovereignty. The African Union and several neighboring states have also expressed concern over potential regional instability.
Precedent Setting: Israel is the first UN member state to grant this recognition, breaking a 34-year diplomatic deadlock for Somaliland.
Strategic Alliance: For Israel, this secures a strategic partner near the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb strait, a crucial maritime choke point.
Domestic Celebrations: Following the announcement, thousands of citizens took to the streets in Hargeisa (Somaliland’s capital) to celebrate, waving Israeli flags alongside their own.
