Major Diplomatic Breakthrough After 34 Years
On December 26, 2025, Israel officially became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as an independent nation. This is a historic moment for Somaliland, which has been seeking international recognition for more than three decades.
This decision could change politics in the Horn of Africa and bring new global attention to Somaliland’s long struggle for acceptance.
Israel and Somaliland Announce Full Diplomatic Ties
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint agreement to begin full diplomatic relations. He said the move fits within the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which promote cooperation between Israel and other regions.
The announcement was made during a video call between Netanyahu and Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro). President Cirro had taken office only weeks earlier, on December 12, 2024.
Israel said it plans to work with Somaliland in areas such as:
- Agriculture
- Health care
- Technology
- Economic development
Israel’s Foreign Minister confirmed that the agreement followed over one year of talks. Both countries also plan to open embassies and appoint ambassadors.
Strong Regional Backlash and International Concerns
The recognition has caused strong reactions in the region.
Somalia’s government strongly rejected the decision. It called the move illegal and said Somaliland is still part of Somalia. Somalia also said it would take political, diplomatic, and legal steps to protect its borders.
Other countries raised concerns as well:
- Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and Somalia held emergency talks
- These countries warned the move could harm regional peace and security
- The African Union also rejected the recognition and supported Somalia’s territorial unity
Somaliland’s Long Road to Statehood
Somaliland was once a British protectorate. It declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after a brutal civil war.
Since then, Somaliland has:
- Run its own government
- Used its own currency
- Maintained its own security forces
- Held multiple democratic elections
Despite over 30 years of stability, no United Nations member state had recognized Somaliland — until now.
The region sits in a strategic location near the Red Sea and Indian Ocean and has remained far more peaceful than southern Somalia, which still faces militant violence.
New President Focuses on Internal Challenges
President Cirro, who won the November 2024 election with 64% of the vote, has quickly taken action on domestic issues.
One of his first major steps was declaring road accidents a national emergency. At a National Road Safety Conference, he revealed alarming data showing rising traffic deaths over the past five years.
His government is also working to strengthen foreign relations. Cirro has met with diplomats from:
- The European Union
- The United Kingdom
- Denmark
These talks focus on governance, security, and development.
Growing International Partnerships Beyond Israel
Somaliland has been building strong global ties even before Israel’s recognition.
- Taiwan has sent a naval delegation to start a maritime security partnership
- Somaliland and Taiwan opened offices in each other’s capitals in 2020
- Taiwan is helping rebuild key roads in Hargeisa, including the airport route
In the United States, several political leaders have supported Somaliland. Senator Ted Cruz has repeatedly called for U.S. recognition. In August 2025, President Donald Trump described Somaliland as a “complex issue” his administration was reviewing.
Possible Link to the Abraham Accords
President Cirro has said Somaliland is ready to join the Abraham Accords. Netanyahu also suggested that Somaliland’s recognition follows the same idea of cooperation and normalization.
This could expand the Abraham Accords beyond the Middle East and into Africa.
What Happens Next?
Israel’s recognition is a huge step, but many questions remain.
Will other countries follow Israel’s lead?
Or will global powers continue to support Somalia’s borders?
For now, Somaliland plans to use this moment to:
- Attract foreign investment
- Improve security partnerships
- Strengthen government institutions
- Push for wider international recognition
The coming months will decide whether this moment becomes the start of global acceptance — or remains a single, bold diplomatic move.