Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, marking a major diplomatic breakthrough for the self declared state more than 30 years after it broke away from Somalia.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations. He described the move as being in line with the spirit of the Abraham Accords launched under former US President Donald Trump.
The decision represents a historic milestone for Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime but has since failed to gain recognition from any UN member state. The territory controls the north western part of what was formerly British Somaliland.
Somalia has consistently rejected Somaliland’s claim to independence. Media reports said the Somali government was preparing an urgent response, while senior regional diplomats reiterated their support for Somalia’s territorial unity during consultations involving Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti.
Netanyahu held a call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Abdirahman Cirro, congratulating him and praising his leadership. He also invited Cirro to visit Israel.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the agreement followed months of dialogue between the two sides and included plans to exchange ambassadors and open embassies. He said cooperation would extend across political, economic and security fields, with the aim of promoting regional stability and prosperity.
Cirro welcomed the announcement as a historic moment, saying it marked the beginning of a strategic partnership based on shared interests and mutual benefit. He also signalled Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords framework.
The recognition marks a sharp shift in Somaliland’s international standing after decades of diplomatic isolation. While much of Somalia descended into prolonged instability after 1991, Somaliland established relative security and developed its own political institutions, including a currency, parliament and security forces. However, some eastern regions remain contested by communities opposed to secession.
In recent years, Somaliland has sought closer ties with regional and international actors, including the UAE and Taiwan, as part of efforts to secure wider recognition.
Speculation had circulated for months that the Trump administration might push for recognition, with several Republican figures openly advocating closer ties between Israel and Somaliland. Trump himself previously described the issue as complex but under active consideration. The US has not formally altered its position so far.
The announcement comes amid cooling US engagement with Somalia and renewed debate over the future of the Somali state. Analysts say Israel’s move could encourage other separatist or autonomous regions to seek recognition based on strategic value rather than international consensus.
Somalia currently operates under a federal system, though internal tensions have intensified, with key regions such as Puntland and Jubaland distancing themselves from the central government. Some officials in those regions publicly welcomed the development, suggesting it may reshape political calculations across the Horn of Africa.