Saudi rejects recognition of Somaliland

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the announced mutual recognition between Somaliland and the Israeli authorities, saying the move threatens Somalia’s sovereignty and violates international law.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the Kingdom “affirms the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's full support for the sovereignty of the brotherly Federal Republic of Somalia, and for its unity and territorial integrity.”

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Riyadh rejected the recognition claims outright, calling them an unacceptable step that encourages secessionist actions.

“The Kingdom expresses its rejection of the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, considering it an action that entrenches unilateral secessionist measures that violate the international law,” the statement read.

Saudi Arabia reiterated that it does not accept any attempt to impose parallel or breakaway entities that undermine Somalia’s unity.

It stressed that Somaliland remains internationally recognized as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

“The Kingdom also reiterates its rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that undermine Somalia's unity, and reaffirms its support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali state,” the ministry added.

Saudi Arabia further affirmed its ongoing commitment to supporting stability, security, and state-building efforts in Somalia.

The Kingdom emphasised that safeguarding territorial integrity is key to maintaining peace across the Horn of Africa.

The statement also underscored Saudi Arabia’s solidarity with the Somali people during a period of heightened political tension.

On Friday Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 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.

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,Abdulahi said.

"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."

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.