Israel becomes first country to recognise Somaliland as independent state

Israel has become the first country to officially recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, more than three decades after it broke away from Somalia.

According to a Times of Israel report, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed the recognition declaration for Israel, while Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed on behalf of his country.

Somaliland, a Sunni Muslim region, briefly enjoyed five days of independence in 1960, during which it was recognized by Israel and 34 other countries before uniting with Somalia.

The region formally declared independence in 1991, but no country recognized it until now, though several nations — including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan — maintained liaison offices.

In a phone call with Abdullahi, Netanyahu described the bilateral ties as “seminal and historic.”

“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development,” Times of Israel quoted Netanyahu as saying.

Netanyahu invited Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel and added that he would communicate Somaliland’s desire to join the Abraham Accords to US President Donald Trump.

Abdullahi responded that he would come “as soon as possible.”

Netanyahu’s office said he “thanks Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, Mossad Director David Barnea and the Mossad for their contribution in advancing recognition between the two countries, and wishes the people of Somaliland success, prosperity and freedom.”

Sa’ar confirmed on X that embassies will be opened in both countries and ambassadors appointed.

The recognition comes after reports in August that Somaliland was among several countries in talks with Israel regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.

With inputs from agencies