Israel’s Somaliland recognition triggers diplomatic storm

On 26 December, Israel announced that it had formally recognized Somaliland as an independent state, marking the first time a UN member state has taken such a step. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the decision during a phone call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi Irro.

The announcement immediately sent diplomatic shock waves across the region, the Arab world, and beyond, prompting swift and coordinated reactions from regional powers, international organizations, and Somalia’s allies — most of whom strongly rejected the move and reaffirmed their “support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”

Soon after the news broke, the foreign ministers of Djibouti, Egypt, and Turkey held consultations with Somalia’s foreign minister. Reportedly, all three countries reaffirmed “their respect for Somalia’s territorial sovereignty and unity.”

In a statement, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland “constitutes yet another example of the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both the regional and global levels.” The statement added that the move amounted to “an explicit intervention in Somalia’s internal affairs,” accusing Israel — whose “expansionist policies persist” — of attempting to undermine international norms while actively “opposing recognition of the State of Palestine.”

Several Arab states echoed similar positions. Jordan rejected the recognition in a statement from its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, affirming its “full support for the sovereignty of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia and for the unity and territorial integrity of its lands.” The ministry described the declaration of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland as “a blatant violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Saudi Arabia also condemned the move, reiterating its “full support for the sovereignty of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia” and rejecting what it described as unilateral, separatist measures that “violate international law.”

The State of Palestine issued a statement affirming its “absolute support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and political independence.” It described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as part of broader attempts by Israel, “as a colonial power,” to “undermine international peace and regional security, particularly Arab security.”

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also issued a strong condemnation, “categorically rejecting Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.” The OIC said the move “violated Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity,” while reaffirming “full solidarity with the Federal Republic of Somalia and its legitimate institutions.”

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), through its Secretary-General Jassem Mohammed Al-Budaiwi, released a statement condemning Israel’s action. He described the recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” region as a “grave breach” of international law and a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial unity. Other countries, including Iraq, also joined in condemning the move.

China weighed in as well. A statement from the Chinese Embassy in Somalia noted that China’s ambassador had spoken with Somalia’s foreign minister, “reaffirming China’s firm support for Somalia’s sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity.” Both sides “expressed strong opposition to secessionist.”

The African Union (AU) took a particularly firm stance. In a statement issued by AU Commission Chairperson Mohamed Youssouf, the organization “rejected any recognition of Somaliland and reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.” The statement stressed the AU’s long-standing position rooted in the principle of “respecting borders inherited at independence, as established by the 1964 decision of the Organization of African Unity.”

Meanwhile, the United States signaled reluctance to follow Israel’s lead. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking about Somaliland’s recognition, said he was not ready to endorse the Israel’s decision. While Netanyahu has framed the recognition as consistent with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, Trump told the New York Post that the issue required “more study” and that his immediate focus remained on stabilizing Gaza following the ceasefire he helped broker.

At one point, Trump reportedly questioned Somaliland’s international profile, asking, “Does anyone really know what Somaliland is?” a remark underlining Washington’s hesitation to commit to a position without further review.

These comments highlight a clear divergence between Washington and Tel Aviv. While Netanyahu has pledged to lobby Trump directly during their upcoming meeting, Trump’s remarks indicate that Somaliland’s diplomatic breakthrough with Israel is unlikely to be mirrored by the United States in the near term.

What unites many of these statements, and those expected in the coming days, is a remarkable display of solidarity with Somalia. The backlash comes at a time when Israel itself is facing mounting international criticism over its conduct in the Gaza war, a conflict that has further strained its global standing. For many Arab states, African partners, and Somalia’s allies, Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is viewed as “destabilizing and violation of international norms.”

Yet in Somaliland, the reaction has been starkly different. Officials and citizens have hailed Israel’s move as a historic diplomatic breakthrough. Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has struggled to gain international recognition despite maintaining relative stability, functioning institutions, holding national and local elections and maintaining its independence. Israel’s decision represents a rupture in that long-standing diplomatic impasse.

As a result, celebrations erupted in the streets of Hargeisa, where many residents see the recognition not merely as symbolic, but as a tangible step toward reshaping Somaliland’s place in the international system. Voices within Somaliland are now urging other nations to follow Israel’s lead, even as global opposition continues to mount, leaving Somaliland’s quest for wider legitimacy uncertain and deeply contested.