Somalia denounces Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily on Dec 26 after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” - the first country to do so.

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Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office in 2024.

Israel announced on Dec 26 that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, prompting Somalia to call the decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.

Several other countries condemned Israel’s decision.

The African Union said it “firmly rejects” Israel’s move, warning: “Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia... risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”

Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”, which is a member of the African Union, said Mr Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, the pan-African body’s head.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the decision was “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”, referring to several agreements between Israel and Arab countries brokered by US President Donald Trump during his first presidency to normalise ties with Israel.

Mr Netanyahu had invited Mr Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader’s office said.