Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced that Israel has officially recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
The declaration was jointly signed with Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland’s President, Dr Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah, and was described as being inspired by the Abraham Accords initiative championed by US President Donald Trump.
Netanyahu said Israel plans to immediately deepen relations with Somaliland through cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. He praised President Abdallah’s leadership and commitment to peace and stability, invited him for an official visit to Israel, and acknowledged the role of Israel’s foreign ministry and security agencies, including the Mossad, in facilitating the agreement.
Okay News reports that the announcement is coming at a time when Israel continues to withhold recognition of Palestine as a sovereign state.
Critics argue that the move raises fresh questions about Israel’s approach to self-determination and international recognition, while supporters see it as part of Israel’s broader strategy to strengthen alliances and regional partnerships in Africa and beyond.
