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| Celebrations erupted in Hargeisa, but no other country has followed suit, amid concerns about escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa. |
Israel formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state on December 26, 2025, becoming the first UN member state to do so.
Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991, amidst a civil war, and has since functioned as a stable de facto state with its own government, currency, and elections, though until now it lacked formal recognition from any UN member.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar, signed a joint declaration with Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) during a video conference, committing to establish full diplomatic relations, including embassies and ambassadors.
The move, described by Netanyahu as “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” includes plans for immediate cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. The president of Somaliland hailed it as a “historic milestone” and expressed interest in joining the Abraham Accords to promote regional peace.
The decision drew strong condemnation from Somalia, which called it an “unlawful measure” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, insisting that Somaliland remains an integral part of the treaty. Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and the African Union rejected the recognition, warning of threats to regional stability and the potential for setting a precedent for secessionist movements.
Celebrations erupted in Hargeisa, but no other country has followed suit, amid concerns about escalating tensions in the Horn of Africa.