In a move that is set to redefine the geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa, Israel on Friday became the first country in the world to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the decision, framing it as an extension of the "Abraham Accords" era. A joint declaration of mutual recognition was signed by Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Following the announcement, President Abdullahi confirmed that Somaliland would officially join the Abraham Accords, aiming to foster regional stability and prosperity. Israel plans to launch immediate bilateral cooperation in key sectors, including leveraging Israeli technology to improve local yields and medical infrastructure and building trade bridges between the Middle East and East Africa. Supporting Somaliland’s digital and technological development.
The recognition has sparked immediate pushback from regional powers. Somalia, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory, has historically lobbied against such moves. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry reported that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held emergency calls with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti to condemn the development, citing it as a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity and international security.
Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent state with its own government and currency since 1991, following the collapse of the central Somali government. This formal recognition by a UN member state marks the most significant diplomatic breakthrough in its 34-year quest for international legitimacy.
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