Israel Recognises Somaliland as Independent State, Establishing Diplomatic Ties

Israel has officially recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development in the Horn of Africa.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition, stating that Israel and Somaliland have signed a joint declaration to establish full diplomatic relations. This agreement includes the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies in both countries.

Netanyahu described the declaration as being "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords," a series of normalisation agreements between Israel and several Arab states initiated in 2020.

Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed the recognition, expressing readiness for Somaliland to join the Abraham Accords.

Somalia's government condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, calling it a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty and warning that it could "undermine regional peace."

The Gulf Cooperation Council also criticised the move, stating that it "constitutes a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity" of Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has maintained a de facto state with its own government, currency, and security forces. However, it had not been recognised by any UN member state until now.

The recognition by Israel is expected to have significant implications for regional dynamics in the Horn of Africa, potentially influencing other nations' positions on Somaliland's status.