Israel becomes first country to formally recognize Somaliland as independent state

(Patria) - Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state - a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia's long-standing opposition to secession, Reuters reported.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economy. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamud Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and invited him to visit Israel. Netanyahu said the declaration was "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of President Trump".

The 2020 accords were brokered by the first Trump administration and involved Israel formalizing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, with other countries joining later.

Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and the President of Somaliland signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition, according to an Israeli statement.

Abdullahi said in a statement that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, calling it a step towards regional and global peace, adding that Somaliland is committed to building partnerships, strengthening mutual prosperity, and promoting stability in the Middle East and Africa.

The Somali government condemned Israel's move as an "illegal step" and a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, rejecting any recognition of Somaliland, according to a statement from the prime minister's office.

"The federal government affirms its determination to take all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures, in accordance with international law, to defend its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized borders," the statement said.

Egypt said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls on Friday with his counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to discuss what they described as dangerous developments in the Horn of Africa following Israel's announcement.

The ministers condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, affirmed their full support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, and warned that recognizing separatist regions poses a threat to international peace and security, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said.

The African Union (AU) rejected any recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming its "unwavering commitment" to Somalia's unity and territorial integrity and warning that such moves risk undermining peace and stability across the continent, the Chairperson of the AU Commission said.

Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy and relative peace and stability since 1991 when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has not received recognition from any other country. Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognizing Somaliland.

The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other nations to follow suit, increasing its diplomatic leverage and access to international markets.

In March, Somalia and Somaliland denied receiving any proposal from the United States or Israel to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, with Mogadishu saying it categorically rejected any such move.