Israel has become the first nation to officially recognise Somaliland, a self-declared state in the Horn of Africa, a move confirmed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This landmark decision, announced unilaterally, immediately elevates Somaliland’s long-standing quest for international legitimacy and signals a significant shift in regional diplomatic dynamics. The Israeli government explicitly linked its recognition to efforts aimed at combating terrorism and enhancing stability in the crucial Red Sea and Strait of Aden shipping lanes, which have faced persistent threats from Iranian-backed Houthi militants.
Prime Minister Netanyahu personally conveyed Israel’s recognition to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Abdirahman Cirro, during a video call. Netanyahu commended President Cirro’s leadership and commitment to fostering peace, extending an invitation for him to visit Israel. The Israeli leader further announced plans for immediate and extensive cooperation between the two entities across critical sectors including agriculture, health, technology, and economy, laying the groundwork for deepened bilateral ties.
An Israeli government source indicated the decision aligns with broader strategic objectives to counter Iran and its regional allies, specifically referencing the Houthi insurgency in Yemen. These Houthi forces have repeatedly targeted international shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Aden, vital waterways for global trade. Israel views Somaliland, with its strategically located port of Berbera, as a crucial partner in securing these maritime routes and bolstering regional security against these threats.
Somaliland, formerly a British protectorate, initially gained independence in June 1960 before uniting with the neighbouring former Italian colony to form Somalia days later. Following three decades of civil war and widespread brutality, which included suppression of its cultural identity, the region reasserted its independence in 1991. Since then, Somaliland has independently administered its affairs, establishing a functioning government, holding democratic elections, and maintaining relative stability, despite its unrecognised status.
For 34 years, Somaliland’s declaration of independence has largely gone unrecognised by the international community, with only Ethiopia having previously maintained a formal agreement with the entity. However, Israel’s bold move intensifies pressure on other major Western powers, notably the United States and the United Kingdom, to reconsider their positions. US President Donald Trump is reportedly facing calls to recognise the breakaway state, while the UK, which came close to formal recognition in 2012, is also urged to follow suit.
Previous US administrations, under Presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, consistently sided with Somalia’s claim over the territory, opposing Somaliland’s recognition. This stance persisted despite ongoing concerns about Somalia’s persistent instability, its struggles with piracy, and its susceptibility to terrorist activities. In contrast, Somaliland has cultivated a reputation for being a relatively stable, democratically oriented entity, expressing a clear desire to align with Western interests and contribute to regional security.
The port of Berbera, situated along the Gulf of Aden, represents a significant strategic asset for Somaliland, particularly in the context of global maritime security. Its geographical position makes it an invaluable potential base for international efforts to counter piracy and deter terrorist attacks impacting shipping in the Red Sea and the Strait of Aden. Recognition by a major regional power like Israel underscores this critical geopolitical importance, highlighting its potential as a Western ally.
Israel’s unilateral recognition is poised to send significant diplomatic ripples across the Horn of Africa, fundamentally altering the existing balance of power. This development could further isolate Somalia, which has consistently opposed Somaliland’s independence claims, and may compel other nations to re-evaluate their engagement strategies in the volatile region. The move represents a calculated geopolitical manoeuvre with potentially far-reaching consequences for regional alliances and stability.
Prominent figures, including former UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson, who holds honorary citizenship in Somaliland, have long championed its recognition. Williamson, among other senior parliamentarians, has actively campaigned to end the 34-year diplomatic impasse maintained by the UK Foreign Office. He emphasized the urgency for the UK and US to recognise Somaliland, citing its potential as a key strategic ally in promoting peace and stability across the Red Sea and beyond, reinforcing the arguments for its international acceptance.
The Israeli decision marks a pivotal moment for Somaliland, offering a pathway toward greater international engagement and investment. While challenging traditional diplomatic norms, it reflects a growing willingness by some nations to engage with de facto states based on strategic interests and demonstrated self-governance. This recognition could serve as a catalyst for broader international discourse on self-determination and regional security in a critical global hotspot.
