image sourced from original article at Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so since the African region declared independence from Somalia over thirty years ago. The declaration was signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar for Israel, and President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi for Somaliland. Both leaders expressed intentions to deepen cooperation in economic, agricultural, and social development fields, and Somaliland announced its aspiration to join the Abraham Accords, aiming for greater regional integration and peace.
The move has drawn sharp criticism from several regional powers, including Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who condemned Israel's decision as a violation of Somalia's territorial integrity. Despite this, Israel and Somaliland plan to open embassies and appoint ambassadors, marking a significant diplomatic shift in the Horn of Africa. Somaliland, which has functioned as a de facto independent state since 1991, has long sought international recognition, and this development marks a major milestone in its efforts.
