Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
BREAKING NEWS: Israel Officially Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State
In a historic diplomatic move, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel is officially recognizing the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This marks the first time any nation has extended formal recognition to the self-declared region, which has operated autonomously from Somalia since 1991 but has not been recognized by the international community.
The official recognition was formalized through a “joint and mutual declaration” signed by Netanyahu, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on Thursday. Netanyahu hailed the recognition as a “historic declaration” that will strengthen ties between the two nations, emphasizing the move’s alignment with the spirit of the Abraham Accords a series of normalization agreements brokered by former U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement, Netanyahu congratulated President Abdirahman on Somaliland’s new diplomatic milestone and invited him for an official visit to Israel. The recognition also highlights Israel’s growing engagement in the Horn of Africa, focusing on collaboration in sectors such as agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
President Abdirahman expressed gratitude for Israel’s support, particularly in areas of counterterrorism and regional stability. Netanyahu also credited Israeli intelligence and diplomatic services, including Mossad, for facilitating the recognition process.
This move could have far-reaching implications for regional politics, with other nations potentially following Israel’s lead in recognizing Somaliland’s sovereignty.
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