—Sylvester Loving, B1Daily

On December 26, 2025, Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland—a self-declared independent state in the Horn of Africa—as a sovereign nation. This makes Israel the first United Nations member state ever to do so since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed a mutual declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, including plans to exchange ambassadors and open embassies.

Israel framed the move as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” reflecting broader diplomatic outreach and cooperation efforts.

While Somaliland, though stable and functioning with its own government, currency, and institutions, had never before received formal recognition from any country despite decades of seeking international legitimacy.

The recognition could have geopolitical implications due to Somaliland’s strategic location near the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden and potential cooperation in sectors like agriculture, technology, and security.

Somalia’s government condemned the decision as a violation of its sovereignty and constitutional order, declaring the recognition “null and void” and saying it will challenge it diplomatically and legally, while the African Union, Arab League members, Turkey, and others have rejected the move, emphasizing respect for existing borders and expressing concern about regional stability.

—Sylvester Loving, B1Daily