Sun Dec 28 15:50:00 UTC 2025: Israel Recognizes Somaliland, Sparking International Condemnation
NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In a move that has ignited a firestorm of international criticism, Israel on Friday became the first nation to recognize Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent country. The reasons behind Israel’s unprecedented decision remain unclear, as does the prospect of any reciprocal benefits.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amidst escalating conflict. Despite establishing its own government and currency, it has remained unrecognized by the global community for over three decades.
On Saturday, a joint statement issued by over 20 countries, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, vehemently rejected Israel’s recognition. The statement cited “the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole.”
The statement also alluded to concerns about potential motives behind Israel’s move, rejecting “any potential link between such measure and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land.” This follows earlier reports that Israel, under the Trump administration, had considered Somaliland as a potential location for resettling Palestinians from Gaza, a plan since abandoned by the U.S.
The U.S. State Department reaffirmed its commitment to the territorial integrity of Somalia, “which includes the territory of Somaliland.”
According to Netanyahu’s office, the recognition was formalized through a joint declaration signed by himself, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.” The Abraham Accords, initiated in 2020, brokered diplomatic and commercial ties between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority countries.
Somalia’s federal government has strongly condemned Israel’s actions, reaffirming Somaliland’s integral status within its sovereign territory. The African Union and the East African governing body IGAD have also voiced their opposition, emphasizing Somalia’s sovereignty under international law and warning against unilateral recognition that contravenes the UN charter and agreements.
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