Israel has become the first country to formally recognize Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel intends to expand cooperation in agriculture, health, and technology with Somaliland. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi described the recognition as a historic moment for Somaliland.
The recognition could inspire other countries to follow suit, improving Somaliland's diplomatic status and ability to engage in international markets. However, this decision has faced condemnation from Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who rejected it outright.
Abdullahi announced Somaliland's intent to join the Abraham Accords, viewing this recognition as a step toward regional peace and stability. Israel and Somaliland have agreed to establish full diplomatic relations, including the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
In contrast, Egypt's foreign ministry emphasized their support for Somalia's unity and territorial integrity, cautioning against actions that undermine stability and could create precedents in international law.
Historically, Somaliland declared independence in 1991 after a war against Somalia, but it has remained unrecognized by the international community, leading to geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa.
