Israel Ends Somaliland’s Three-Decade Wait For Recognition

Analysts suggest sovereignty could offer better alternatives in Ethiopia’s sea access quest

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly announced his country’s decision to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday, marking a significant diplomatic development for the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa.

The announcement was made during a telephone conversation between the Israeli Prime Minister and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), in which Netanyahu formally conveyed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.

The Declaration by the State of Israel which is signed by PM Benjamin Netanyahu, reads “Israel respectfully acknowledges the formal appeal conveyed by Somaliland president, requesting recognition. In response this appeal and in light of the shared values, strategic interests and the spirit of mutual respect that binds the two nations, Israel officially recognizes the Republic of Somaliland as sovereign and independent state.”

Full diplomatic relations is declared between Israel and Somaliland, as per the statement, ‘to advance peace, stability, and prosperity in the Horn of Africa, the Middle East and beyond.”

Somaliland president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillah (Irro) also issued official declaration, “warmly welcoming and deeply appreciating Israel’s recognition.” Further, Irro stated “Somaliland expresses its firm intention to accede to the Abraham Accord, to contribute meaningfully to peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa.”

In the conversation, he said his country officially recognized Somaliland and its right of self-determination.

“Our friendship is historic,” said Netanyahu. “The recognition would be a good opportunity for expanding our partnership and we intend to work with you in economic, agriculture, and social developments.”

The Israeli PM also invited the President of the Republic of Somaliland to Israel.

In a subsequent social media post, Netanyahu stated that the declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, signed at the initiative of US President Donald Trump.

The Office of the President of the Republic of Somaliland has issued a statement declaring the move a “historic milestone in Somaliland’s prolonged quest for international legitimacy.” It asserted that the recognition reaffirms Somaliland’s historical, legal, and moral right to sovereign statehood.

The office further announced Somaliland’s firm intention to accede to the Abraham Accords.

“Somaliland reaffirms its commitment to building constructive partnerships, fostering mutual prosperity, and meaningfully contributing to peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa,” reads the statement.

Somaliland intends to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, according to the statement.

Costantinos Berhutesfa (PhD), a seasoned economic and political analyst, believes Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could trigger a chain reaction, prompting other influential countries to follow suit, including Somaliland’s former colonial power, the United Kingdom.

He cited recent remarks by the British foreign minister, who stated that the United Kingdom should recognize Somaliland as an independent state, noting that such statements signal growing momentum among Western powers.

Costantinos said Israel’s decision was not taken in isolation.

“They are not alone in this decision,” he told The Reporter. “The United States is part of it, because major decisions of this nature are made together.”

According to him, coordinated recognition by Israel and the United States would carry weight within international institutions, influencing deliberations at the United Nations Security Council and potentially within the African Union.

Costantinos predicts Ethiopia’s recognition could come later, as Addis Ababa seeks to preserve the relations it has built with the Somali federal government and avoid actions that could strain those ties.

Meanwhile, Egypt, Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti are among the countries that have issued statements condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state.

Ankara characterized the decision as “clear interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.”

In a statement issued following a phone call between the foreign ministers of the four countries, the Egyptian government expressed its “full opposition to any unilateral measures that could undermine Somali sovereignty or destabilize the country.”

However, Costantinos argues the recognition of Somaliland will not undermine stability in the Horn of Africa, noting that the territory has remained stable for more than three decades.

“We have to be intellectually honest about Somaliland,” he said. “For over three decades, it has maintained a level of internal stability that many recognized states envy. It has a functioning democracy and political stability. The delay in recognition has been about who takes the first step, not about bad intentions.”

A political expert spoke to The Reporter requesting anonymity, also shares Costantinos’s view that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could encourage other countries to take similar steps.

He said it remains too early to draw firm conclusions, as the situation is still evolving, but noted that such political decisions are inherently “contagious.”

“Once a door is opened in situations like this, it is only a matter of time before others follow,” he said, adding that Somaliland’s case had long been delayed over questions of which country would make the first move.

The expert said Israel’s decision has the backing of the United States, noting that officials from the US Embassy and its delegations made an official visit to Hargeisa on the same day to assess Somaliland’s diplomatic capacity.

“Who comes next will depend on time,” he said, adding that Israel’s move may also be aimed at countering the influence of Turkey and Egypt in the region.

He said recognition of Somaliland could act as a trigger for the revival of the memorandum of understanding (MoU) Ethiopia signed with Somaliland.

While stating that Israel would not pose a threat to Ethiopia’s sovereignty, the expert said Somaliland’s recognition would benefit Ethiopia in several respects.

Costantinonnos also said Ethiopia’s political tensions with Asmara could follow recognition of hargeisa, arguing that it would open Additional Opportunities for Addis Ababa.

“Israel’s move will directly affect Egypt’s interests and could also reduce the significance of the Assab issue with Eritrea by offering Ethiopia a better alternative,” he told The Reporter.