Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic achievement for the self-declared republic which gained independence from Somalia in 1991. This recognition, announced by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, establishes full diplomatic relations and includes plans for embassies and ambassadorial appointments. The move is seen as historic for Somaliland, which has sought international acknowledgment for 34 years without success until now.
The Israeli prime minister's office framed this decision within the context of the Abraham Accords, suggesting a broader regional alignment. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended an invitation to Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to visit Israel, highlighting a "historic" friendship.
This development has drawn strong condemnation from Somalia, which views it as a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty and a threat to regional peace. The African Union (AU) has also "firmly rejected" Israel's move, warning against actions that undermine Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, emphasizing Somaliland's status as an integral part of Somalia. Egypt and Turkey echoed these sentiments, criticizing Israel's action as interference in Somalia's internal affairs and potentially linked to its broader regional policies.
The recognition follows a year of discussions between Israel and Somaliland. Israeli analysts suggest strategic advantages, including Somaliland's proximity to Yemen, could serve as a base for intelligence gathering and potential operations against Houthi rebels. Somaliland already hosts a UAE military base, highlighting its geopolitical significance in the region. Discussions about U.S. engagement with Somaliland have also been noted, with some U.S. policy proposals advocating for recognition as a strategic countermeasure against growing Chinese influence in Djibouti.
Somaliland, with a population of over 6.2 million, operates a democratic system but has faced criticism regarding an "erosion of political rights and civic space" in recent years.