Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State

Israel has formally recognised the Republic of Somaliland as an independent state, becoming the first country to do so more than three decades after Somaliland declared separation from Somalia.

The move marks a major geopolitical development in the Horn of Africa and signals a historic shift in Israel’s diplomatic engagement with long-unrecognised political entities.

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Israel Becomes First Country to Recognise Somaliland as Independent State

Formal Recognition Agreement

The recognition declaration was signed by:

Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel
Gideon Sa’ar, Foreign Minister of Israel

On behalf of Somaliland, the declaration was signed by:

Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, President of Somaliland

Netanyahu described the recognition as “seminal and historic”, formally initiating bilateral diplomatic relations between the two sides.

Somaliland’s Long Quest for Recognition

Somaliland’s political history is distinct from that of Somalia:

Briefly gained independence in 1960
Recognised then by Israel and 34 other countries
Voluntarily united with Somalia later in 1960
Re-declared independence in 1991 after Somalia’s state collapse

Despite maintaining:

Political stability
Democratic elections
Its own government and currency

Somaliland remained unrecognised internationally until Israel’s announcement. Several countries, including the UK, Ethiopia, Turkey, UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan, have maintained liaison offices without granting formal recognition.

Strategic and Diplomatic Implications

During a phone conversation, Netanyahu expressed Israel’s interest in cooperation with Somaliland in:

Economic development
Agriculture
Social sectors

He also invited President Abdullahi for an official visit to Israel and said he would convey Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords to Donald Trump.

Somaliland’s leadership welcomed the move and indicated readiness to deepen diplomatic engagement.

Embassies and Regional Impact

Foreign Minister Sa’ar confirmed that:

Embassies will be opened in both Israel and Somaliland
Ambassadors will be appointed

Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the role of Israel’s security and diplomatic establishment, including Mossad Director David Barnea, in facilitating the recognition.

The decision is expected to have far-reaching regional implications, potentially influencing recognition debates across East Africa and the Middle East.

Exam-Oriented Key Facts

Somaliland declared independence in 1991
Israel is the first country to officially recognise Somaliland
Somaliland has its own government, currency, and elections
The Abraham Accords focus on Israel–Arab normalisation
Recognition may reshape Horn of Africa geopolitics

Question & Answer

Q1. Which country became the first to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent state?
(a) United States
(b) United Kingdom
(c) Israel
(d) Ethiopia
Answer: Israel

Q2. Somaliland re-declared independence from Somalia in which year?
(a) 1960
(b) 1977
(c) 1985
(d) 1991
Answer: 1991

Q3. Who signed the recognition declaration on behalf of Israel?
(a) Benjamin Netanyahu and Gideon Sa’ar
(b) Isaac Herzog and Yair Lapid
(c) Naftali Bennett and Benny Gantz
(d) David Barnea and Gideon Sa’ar
Answer: Benjamin Netanyahu and Gideon Sa’ar

Q4. Which agreement focuses on normalisation between Israel and Arab states?
(a) Camp David Accords
(b) Oslo Accords
(c) Abraham Accords
(d) Taif Agreement
Answer: Abraham Accords

Q5. Somaliland is located in which region?
(a) Middle East
(b) Central Asia
(c) Horn of Africa
(d) North Africa
Answer: Horn of Africa

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