International opposition is mounting following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has triggered widespread diplomatic backlash across Africa and the Middle East.
More than 20 countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), issued a joint statement rejecting the recognition, warning that it could destabilise the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea corridor, and broader international peace and security.
Israel’s announcement on Friday marked the first time in over three decades that any country has formally recognised Somaliland, a self-declared state that broke away from Somalia in 1991 amid the country’s prolonged civil conflict.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
The joint statement described Israel’s action as an “unprecedented measure” with potentially serious geopolitical consequences. Signatories also rejected “any potential link” between the recognition and alleged efforts to forcibly relocate Palestinians from their land, a reference to earlier reports suggesting Somaliland had been approached to host displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Syria issued a separate statement condemning Israel’s move, while multiple African regional bodies echoed similar concerns.
Strategic Location, Longstanding Dispute
Somaliland, though largely peaceful and self-governing with its own currency and institutions, has long struggled for international recognition. It occupies a strategic position along the Gulf of Aden, opposite Yemen and adjacent to Djibouti, which hosts major military bases for the United States, China, France and other global powers.
Despite its de facto autonomy, Somaliland has historically been viewed by the international community as part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.
Somalia, AU and IGAD Push Back
Somalia’s federal government strongly rejected Israel’s declaration, calling it unlawful and reaffirming that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the Somali state.
The African Union also opposed the move. AU Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s sovereignty threatens peace and stability across the continent.
Similarly, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) stated that Somalia’s territorial integrity is recognised under international law, adding that unilateral recognition violates the United Nations Charter and the founding principles of both IGAD and the African Union.
US Maintains Position
The United States distanced itself from Israel’s decision. The US State Department said it continues to recognise Somalia’s territorial integrity, explicitly stating that this includes Somaliland.
Earlier in the year, US and Israeli officials had acknowledged discussions with Somaliland regarding the possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza under a proposal associated with former President Donald Trump. That plan has since been abandoned.
Israel Links Move to Abraham Accords
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the recognition followed the signing of a joint declaration between Israel, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, describing it as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.”
Launched in 2020, the Abraham Accords normalised relations between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority countries, a framework Trump has described as central to long-term Middle East stability.
As diplomatic reactions continue to unfold, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is shaping up to be a significant flashpoint in African and Middle Eastern geopolitics.
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