Israel was the first to recognize the independence of Somaliland.

Israel has officially recognized the independence of Somaliland — a separatist region in northern Somalia. The corresponding declaration was signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar. Thus, Israel became the first country in the world to take this step at the state level.

The decision immediately brought Somaliland out of a long diplomatic shadow. For over thirty years, the region existed as a de facto state but without formal international recognition. Now this status quo has been disrupted.

The history of Somaliland is complex and in many ways typical for post-colonial Africa. In 1960, it gained independence from Britain, but almost immediately united with Somalia. After the collapse of central authority and the start of civil war in 1991, the region again declared independence and has since effectively existed separately.

The international community has long avoided legal recognition, fearing precedents. Meanwhile, several countries maintained stable contacts with Somaliland. The United Kingdom, Ethiopia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan developed trade, political, and humanitarian ties with the region without crossing the formal line.

Israel became the first to cross that line.

According to the Prime Minister’s office, Netanyahu has already invited Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel. In addition, the Israeli side plans to discuss with U.S. President Donald Trump the possible inclusion of Somaliland in the Abraham Accords — a framework of regional alliances built around Israel.

The international reaction was not long in coming. The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti sharply criticized the decision, stating it violated Somalia’s territorial integrity and undermined regional stability.

Nevertheless, in Jerusalem, they indicate that the step was calculated. It is not only a diplomatic gesture but also about long-term interests in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa — an area where global trade, energy, and security routes intersect.

The practical implementation of the decision has already been outlined. The opening of embassies in Jerusalem and Hargeisa is planned, as well as the appointment of ambassadors. This moves the relationship from a symbolic plane to a working one, with specific coordination mechanisms.

Additional context is provided by reports that emerged back in August about contacts between Somaliland and Israel on the sensitive topic of possible resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. There is no official confirmation of these negotiations, but the very fact of discussions underscores how multilayered the new diplomatic configuration is becoming.

The recognition of Somaliland is not an isolated gesture but an element of a broader strategy by Israel to expand its political and economic space beyond the traditional Middle East. This step has already become the subject of lively discussions and will likely continue to influence the regional agenda for a long time. Such decisions, their consequences, and hidden motives are closely monitored by NAnews — News of Israel | Nikk.Agency, recording how the geopolitical map around Israel is changing.