Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland draws praise, caution, and strategic debate at home while triggering backlash from Somalia, Turkey, and the African Union

Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025, becoming the first United Nations member country to extend such recognition to the self-governing territory, which has operated as a de facto state since breaking from Somalia in 1991. The decision, announced by the Israeli government and formalized through a mutual declaration with Somaliland, marked a diplomatic breakthrough for Hargeisa after more than three decades without international recognition—and immediately triggered regional backlash.

The recognition was quickly followed by a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa, signaling that the move was intended to establish a diplomatic and strategic relationship rather than remain a purely symbolic gesture. Israeli officials described the visit as an opening for broader cooperation, while Somaliland’s leadership portrayed it as a turning point in their long campaign for international legitimacy.

The move drew swift condemnation from Somalia, Turkey, and multilateral bodies that continue to treat Somaliland as part of Somalia under the long-standing “One Somalia” framework. Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a formal condemnation: “The Somali government strongly condemns the visit of the Israeli Foreign Minister to Hargeisa as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. Any official engagement carried out in Hargeisa without prior consent from the Federal Republic of Somalia is illegal and without legitimacy.”

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also issued a sharp statement: “Israel’s announcement that it recognizes the independence of the Somaliland region constitutes yet another example of the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both the regional and global levels. This step amounts to an explicit intervention in Somalia’s internal affairs.”

Multilateral bodies echoed these concerns. The African Union’s Political Affairs, Peace and Security Council called for Israel to reverse its decision: “The African Union’s Political Affairs Peace and Security Council demands the immediate revocation of Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. The council strongly condemns Israel’s unilateral decision and refers to Somaliland as the ‘so-called Republic of Somaliland.’” The African Union has traditionally upheld the principle of inherited colonial borders, while Somalia’s federal government has repeatedly warned foreign states against engaging directly with Somaliland’s authorities.

Inside Somaliland, reactions to Israel’s recognition have been shaped by a mix of validation, caution, and long-held political aspirations—reflecting both optimism and restraint in a society that has built functioning institutions without international recognition. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government and years of civil war. At the Burao Grand Conference on May 18, 1991, local elders and leaders announced the restoration of the former British Somaliland protectorate as an independent republic. Since then, Somaliland has operated with its own constitution, elected governments, security forces, and currency. Each year, May 18 is commemorated locally as the restoration of sovereignty.

In Hargeisa, Hassan Abdi described Israel’s decision as long-sought legitimacy rather than symbolism. “Israel’s recognition is not just symbolic; it validates decades of peace-building and self-governance in Somaliland. The foreign minister’s visit shows this is a serious partnership, not a gesture,” he told The Media Line.

Israel’s recognition is not just symbolic; it validates decades of peace-building and self-governance in Somaliland. The foreign minister’s visit shows this is a serious partnership, not a gesture.

Abdi said criticism from Mogadishu and Ankara was expected but would not alter Somaliland’s trajectory. “Criticism from Mogadishu and Ankara was predictable, but it does not change reality. Somaliland chose separation after tragedy, and we have proven we can govern ourselves,” he noted.

He emphasized that Somaliland’s claim to sovereignty rests on internal reconciliation and political processes rather than external intervention. “The world should know Somaliland restored its sovereignty through local reconciliation and elections, not foreign intervention,” he said.

Looking ahead, Abdi framed recognition as a potential catalyst for investment and cooperation, not political dependency. “Israel’s move could encourage the U.S. and others to follow. What we want is recognition that leads to investment, cooperation, and dignity, not dependency,” he said.