Israel has formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland as Africa’s 55th independent and sovereign state, marking the most significant diplomatic breakthrough for the Horn of Africa territory since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
- Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking its first international recognition since 1991.
- The recognition was announced by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, establishing full diplomatic relations between the two nations.
- Somaliland views this recognition as a historic milestone affirming its sovereignty and democratic governance.
- The decision could significantly alter the political and economic dynamics within the Horn of Africa region.
The announcement was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who confirmed that Israel, together with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland’s president, signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition in the spirit of the Abraham Accords championed by US President Donald Trump.
The move establishes full diplomatic relations between Jerusalem and Hargeisa and gives Somaliland its first high-level international recognition after more than three decades of operating as a self-governing but unrecognised state.
A breakthrough moment for a 34-year-old de facto state
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Israel’s recognition as a “historic milestone” affirming the territory’s long-standing claim to sovereignty, peace, and democratic governance.
Since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, Somaliland has maintained its own elections, currency, security forces, and institutions despite lacking formal international recognition.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi said Israel’s decision ends Somaliland’s diplomatic isolation and signals its emergence as Africa’s newest recognised state.
“This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords,” Abdullahi said. “This step marks the beginning of a strategic partnership that advances mutual interests, strengthens regional peace and security, and delivers shared benefits to all stakeholders.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel now recognises Somaliland as “an independent and sovereign state” and said both sides signed a joint declaration formalising the relationship. He also invited Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel.
The move could reshape political dynamics in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland’s relative stability contrasts with Somalia’s prolonged insecurity and may encourage other nations to revisit its long-running quest for recognition, potentially altering regional alliances and investment flows.
What Israel stands to gain
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is driven by geopolitics, security, and trade.
Located on the Gulf of Aden near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait – a crucial shipping chokepoint linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean, Somaliland oversees a corridor through which a large share of global trade and energy supplies passes, increasingly threatened by instability in Yemen and Houthi attacks.
Strengthening ties gives Israel a potential security and intelligence partner in a strategically vital zone, useful for maritime monitoring, counter-terrorism, and early-warning systems. Economic incentives are also clear: Somaliland’s Berbera Port, developed by DP World, is emerging as a major logistics hub for the Horn of Africa and landlocked Ethiopia, offering Israel a corridor to expand trade, infrastructure, and energy links.
The move also advances Israel’s Abraham Accords strategy, extending diplomatic and commercial influence beyond the Middle East into a geopolitically pivotal part of Africa.
