26.12.2025 21:32
Israel announced that it recognizes Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia, as a "country." Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland; it was reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and the self-proclaimed President of Somaliland, Mohammed Abdullahi, mutually signed the "recognition decision."
Israel announced that it recognizes Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its separation from Somalia, as a "country." In a written statement from the Prime Minister's Press Office, it was stated that Israel recognizes Somaliland as "an independent country."
SIGNATURES WERE SIGNED
It was expressed that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, and the so-called President of Somaliland, Muhammed Abdullahi, mutually signed the "recognition decision."
The statement also shared a video call made while Netanyahu and Abdullahi were signing the "recognition decision" document. Netanyahu, expressing his happiness about this decision, invited Abdullahi to Israel for an official visit.
FIRST COUNTRY TO RECOGNIZE
Netanyahu noted that he would convey Somaliland's request to join the "Abraham Accords," which pave the way for normalizing relations with Israel, to U.S. President Donald Trump in a meeting expected to take place at the end of the month. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland.
CRISIS BETWEEN ETHIOPIA AND SOMALIA
Somaliland declared its unilateral separation from Somalia in 1991, but it was not recognized as an independent state by the international community. Somalia views Somaliland as an inseparable part of the country and emphasizes that all international agreements regarding the region are solely under the authority of the Mogadishu administration.
The memorandum of understanding signed between Somaliland and Ethiopia on January 1, 2024, increased regional tension.
Ethiopia's preparation to recognize Somaliland as an independent country and steps taken by Somaliland to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea led to a strong reaction from the Somali administration and a diplomatic crisis. The Arab League, African Union, Kenya, and Djibouti's efforts to resolve the crisis were unsuccessful.
As tensions decreased with Turkey bringing the parties together under the Ankara Process, a consensus was reached in the meetings held in Ankara on December 11, hosted by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, regarding the resolution of the issue.
According to the consensus, while Somalia's territorial integrity is confirmed, it was adopted to transform Ethiopia's demands for access to the sea into a cooperation process that would benefit both sides.
REACTION FROM THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Öncü Keçeli stated that Israel's announcement recognizing the independence of the Somaliland region constitutes a new example of the illegal actions of the Tel Aviv administration.
"Israel's announcement recognizing the independence of the Somaliland region constitutes a new example of the illegal actions of (Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin) Netanyahu's government aimed at creating instability at regional and global levels," Keçeli stated, emphasizing that this step by Israel, which continues its expansionist policies and makes every effort to prevent the recognition of the State of Palestine, constitutes an open intervention in Somalia's internal affairs.
Keçeli underscored that decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region should be made in a way that reflects the will of all Somalis, reminding that Turkey values peace and security in the Horn of Africa.
The Foreign Ministry Spokesperson also noted that Ankara "resolutely supports" Somalia's territorial integrity, conveying the message that Turkey will continue to stand by the Somali people.