27.12.2025 20:30
Following Israel's announcement that it recognizes Somaliland, which unilaterally declared independence from Somalia, as a "country," celebrations have begun in the region. Many Somalilanders are sharing photos of themselves posing with the Israeli flag on social media.
Israel announced that it recognizes Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its separation from Somalia, as a "country."
ISRAEL BECAME THE FIRST COUNTRY TO RECOGNIZE SOMALILAND
A written statement from the Prime Minister's Press Office indicated that Israel recognizes Somaliland as "an independent country." It was stated 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 signed the "recognition decision" document. Netanyahu expressed his happiness regarding this decision and invited Abdullahi to Israel for an official visit. Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland.
REQUEST TO JOIN THE ABRAHAM ACCORDS
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 during a meeting expected to take place at the end of the month.
CELEBRATIONS IN SOMALILAND
Meanwhile, celebrations that began in Somaliland following Israel's decision are ongoing. Some people in the region are sharing photos of themselves with the Israeli flag on social media.
CRISIS BETWEEN ETHIOPIA AND SOMALIA
Somaliland declared its unilateral separation from Somalia in 1991, but it has not been 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 tensions. Ethiopia's preparation to recognize Somaliland as an independent country and Somaliland's steps to provide Ethiopia with access to the sea led to a strong reaction from the Somali administration and a diplomatic crisis. Efforts by the Arab League, African Union, Kenya, and Djibouti to resolve the crisis have been unsuccessful.
As tensions decreased with Turkey bringing the parties together under the Ankara Process, a consensus was reached during 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.