Israel recognises Somaliland as sovereign state

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has officially recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, making his country the first United Nations member state to take such a step.

In a statement, the Prime Minister’s office announced that Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and the President of the Republic of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi, signed a mutual declaration establishing full diplomatic relations between the two parties.

Yego seeks golden continental exit in Accra showpiece Athletics

TOUCHLINE COLUMN: Sh42.4m storm exposes fragile foundations of Kenyan football governance Football

The declaration provides for the possible opening of embassies and the exchange of ambassadors.

Netanyahu personally conveyed a congratulatory message to Abdilahi through a video call following the signing.

“Mr President, nice to speak to you. I want you to know that I’m signing now, as we speak, Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right to self-determination,” Netanyahu said.

“Our friendship is seminal and historic, so I’m very, very happy and I’m very proud of this day. I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best. I think this would be a great opportunity for expanding our partnership,” he added.

The Prime Minister said the scope of cooperation between Israel and Somaliland would include trade, agriculture and social issues that are beneficial to both sides.

He said there was excitement in Israel following the development and formally invited the Somaliland president to visit Israel at his convenience.

“Of course, I will communicate to President Trump about your willingness and desire to join the Abraham Accord,” Netanyahu said, wishing Abdilahi and the people of Somaliland well.

In his response, Abdilahi described the announcement as historic. “That’s a great moment, a great historical day. The Big Five is here, the other group is the chairman of the party and the vice presidents. Our key officials are here. Mr Prime Minister, I have accepted the invitation and I’m ready as soon as possible for that arrangement that shall be made,” Abdilahi said.

Netanyahu said arrangements for the visit would be made as soon as possible. “See you soon in Jerusalem. See you next year, it’s a few days from now. Thank you, sir,” he said.

Somaliland is a self-declared but internationally unrecognised state in the Horn of Africa, located along the Gulf of Aden and bordering Djibouti, Ethiopia and Somalia.

It declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government and has since operated as a de facto sovereign entity with its own government, currency, security forces and regular elections.

Despite this, it has not received formal international recognition, with the global community continuing to regard it as part of Somalia.

Somalia, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory, is expected to strongly oppose Israel's move.

The international community has historically supported Somalia’s territorial integrity and resisted Somaliland’s secession.

While the African Union and many countries have been reluctant to recognise Somaliland over concerns about regional stability and relations with Somalia, Isarel's move could influence how other countries, particularly its allies, assess their own positions on Somaliland.

Formal recognition is expected to strengthen Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty and could open the door to increased foreign investment and development assistance, with potential implications for economic growth in the self-declared state.