On December 26, 2025, **Israel officially became the first UN member state to recognise the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation — a historic diplomatic breakthrough after more than three decades of the region’s unrecognised status. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated its own government, currency and security forces long without formal recognition. Israel’s move follows a mutual declaration of recognition signed with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, marking the start of full diplomatic relations, including plans to appoint ambassadors and open embassies. 

Israeli leaders framed this step as being in the spirit of the Abraham Accords and expressed intentions to expand cooperation across agriculture, technology, health and economic development. Somaliland welcomed the decision as a validation of its long-standing quest for international legitimacy and a foundation for wider global engagement.

However, the recognition has sparked strong international pushback. Somalia condemned the move as unlawful, asserting its territorial integrity and vowing diplomatic responses. The African Union, Egypt, Turkey and other regional actors warned that recognising a breakaway region could undermine peace and set a dangerous precedent for other separatist movements. Critics argue the step threatens regional stability and complicates international norms around sovereignty and territorial unity.

This landmark yet controversial recognition places Somaliland’s future on a new diplomatic trajectory while highlighting the complex balance between self-determination, geopolitical strategy and established international law.