JERUSALEM/ MOGADISHU, Dec. 26, 2025 (Naija247news) – Israel has formally recognised Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country in the world to grant official diplomatic status to the breakaway region in the Horn of Africa, a move that has triggered strong backlash from Somalia and its regional allies.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Friday that both sides signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords” — the U.S.-brokered framework aimed at normalising ties between Israel and Arab states. Under the agreement, Israel and Somaliland will appoint ambassadors and open embassies in each other’s capitals.
Netanyahu, speaking in a congratulatory video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi — popularly known as Abdirahman Cirro — praised his “leadership and commitment to promoting stability and peace,” and invited him to visit Israel.
Somalia’s federal government swiftly condemned the move, calling it “an unlawful attack” on its sovereignty and reminding the international community that Somaliland remains an “inseparable part” of Somalia under international law.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali held an emergency call with his counterparts from Egypt, Turkiye and Djibouti, where they collectively warned that recognising a region within a sovereign state sets a “dangerous precedent” that violates the UN Charter and could destabilise the international system.
“Respect for territorial integrity must not be circumvented under any pretext,” Egypt’s Foreign Ministry stated.
A bold diplomatic win for Hargeisa
Somaliland, once a British protectorate, declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime. While it has built its own military, parliament, currency and governance structure — earning a reputation as one of the Horn of Africa’s more stable territories — it has remained internationally unrecognised for over three decades.
Cirro hailed the agreement as a “historic moment” and signalled Somaliland’s readiness to formally join the Abraham Accords, which regional analysts say could deepen Israel’s strategic footprint across the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden — key waters at the centre of global maritime trade.
“This partnership advances mutual interests, strengthens regional peace and delivers shared benefits to all stakeholders,” the Somaliland leader said.
Regional tensions and geopolitical chessboard
Israel’s move lands in the middle of heightened tensions over Gaza, ongoing Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, and shifting allegiances in the Horn of Africa — where the United Arab Emirates, Türkiye, Qatar, and China are competing for ports, influence and security partnerships.
In 2024, Ethiopia sought a controversial pact to recognise Somaliland in exchange for sea access, before backing down under diplomatic pressure from Mogadishu and its allies. Analysts warn Israel’s recognition could reignite those ambitions — and embolden other Somali regions pushing for more autonomy.
“Basically, you have de facto states already in Somalia, and Israel’s message is that recognition can be transactional rather than principled,” said Jethro Norman, a researcher at the Danish Institute for International Studies.
Puntland’s interior minister reacted cryptically on social media: “Patience pays off… Puntland needs to calculate strategically,” hinting that other federal states may sense opportunity in Somalia’s fractured politics.
A gift to Trump-era foreign policy?
The breakthrough appears aligned with priorities of former U.S. President Donald Trump, who previously suggested Washington was “working on” Somaliland recognition and has openly criticised Somalia. Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Cruz, have advocated recognition for years, citing Somaliland’s democratic processes and strategic coastline.
However, the Biden administration — still managing the fallout from conflict in Gaza — has not shifted its long-standing support for Somalia’s territorial integrity.
The move also arrives amid renewed warnings against any scheme to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to African territories. The four foreign ministers on Monday said they “categorically reject” such ideas — widely condemned as ethnic cleansing.
What happens next?
Experts say the diplomatic earthquake may deepen Somalia’s internal fractures and provoke new regional rivalries, while encouraging other unrecognised states — including in Africa — to push harder for sovereignty.
Israel and Somaliland are expected to announce technical working groups on security, trade and maritime cooperation in the coming weeks.
But Hargeisa’s celebrations could be short-lived if global powers choose caution over confrontation.
David Okoroafor - Geopolitics & Foreign Affairs Editor ✔
David Okafor Geopolitical Editor / Foreign Affairs Editor, Naija247news Media Group David Okafor serves as the Foreign Affairs Editor at Naija247news Media Group, bringing over five years of experience in international journalism. Renowned for his investigative reporting and editorial leadership, he provides readers with in-depth analysis of global politics, economic trends, and major international events. A graduate in International Relations, David has a proven track record of delivering accurate, insightful, and impactful coverage, ensuring that Naija247news remains a trusted source for world affairs. His work has earned him respect across the media industry for clarity, integrity, and commitment to excellence.
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