Israel Becomes First UN Member to Recognize Somaliland

Israel’s decision to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state on December 26, 2025, marked a new development in the region’s diplomatic landscape.

Somaliland has maintained its own governing institutions since 1991, operating separately from Somalia and holding elections for its leadership. Despite its self-administration, Somaliland had not previously received formal recognition from any United Nations member state before Israel’s announcement.

Somalia’s federal government responded to Israel’s recognition by reaffirming its claim to Somaliland as part of its territory. Regional organizations such as the African Union, IGAD, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League also issued statements rejecting Israel’s move and supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity.

A joint statement from over 20 countries, primarily from the Middle East and Africa, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, opposed Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The statement referenced concerns about the potential impact on peace and security in the Horn of Africa and other regions.

What the numbers show

• Somaliland declared self-governance in 1991
• Israel recognized Somaliland on December 26, 2025
• More than 20 countries joined a joint statement rejecting Israel’s recognition
• Ethiopia signed a memorandum with Somaliland in January 2024
• Technical talks between Somalia and Ethiopia took place in February 2025

Prior to Israel’s recognition, Somaliland had developed informal relationships with several foreign governments. It hosted representative offices from countries such as Ethiopia and Taiwan, but these arrangements did not amount to formal diplomatic recognition by United Nations member states.

In January 2024, Ethiopia and Somaliland signed a memorandum of understanding. The agreement included provisions for Ethiopia to recognize Somaliland in exchange for access to a 20-kilometer stretch of coastline for a naval facility. This development was followed by technical discussions in Ankara in February 2025, where Somalia and Ethiopia, with mediation from Turkey, addressed issues related to Somalia’s territorial integrity and Ethiopia’s need for sea access.

Following Israel’s recognition, international organizations including IGAD, the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union, and India reiterated their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial boundaries. These statements were made in late 2025 and early 2026 in response to the diplomatic changes involving Somaliland.

Industry reaction

Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Israel’s recognition as unexpected and strange, stating that it could have serious implications for Palestinians in Gaza and for the Horn of Africa.

Regional organizations and international bodies, including the African Union, IGAD, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Arab League, publicly opposed Israel’s decision and reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s territorial integrity in official statements.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.