Last Friday, December 26, 2025, Israel surprised the world by becoming the first country to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. The move sparked an immediate diplomatic storm across Africa.
Somalia’s government slammed the decision as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, warning that it could undermine regional stability. The Somali foreign ministry said it would demand an urgent meeting of the United Nations Security Council.
The African Union also voiced strong condemnation, arguing that recognizing breakaway regions sets a dangerous precedent. “Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia,” said AU chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf. Several AU members echoed the call for respect of Africa’s borders.
Nearby countries joined the chorus. Türkiye’s foreign ministry described Israel’s initiative as “overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs.” Egypt announced that its top diplomat had consulted counterparts from Türkiye, Somalia, and Djibouti, all of whom reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
In Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, the streets burst into celebration 🎉. Thousands waved the region’s blue-white-green flag, chanting “Freedom!” and sharing videos online. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed the recognition as a “historic moment” and invited Israeli teams to explore partnerships in agriculture and port development.
From Israel’s side, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu framed the move as part of recent normalizations in the Middle East, referring to the spirit of the Abraham Accords. A video of a phone call between Netanyahu and President Abdullahi showed the two leaders emphasizing economic cooperation and security ties.
Analysts point to Israel’s strategic ambitions in the Red Sea region. With Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis threatening shipping lanes, an ally in Somaliland offers a valuable foothold. “Israel is looking to secure partners for maritime security and counterterrorism,” notes a paper by the Institute for National Security Studies.
Somaliland, a self-declared republic since 1991, has its own currency, passports, and army. But without broad recognition, it has struggled to attract foreign loans and aid. The new Israeli backing may open doors to investment, though critics warn it risks deepening tensions in the Horn of Africa.
As reactions continue to pour in, the world watches closely. This shift could redraw alliances and test the balance between strategic interests and regional peace. What happens next? Stay tuned 👀
Reference(s):
Somalia, African nations denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland
cgtn.com
