Tel aviv: Israel has become the first country in the world to officially recognize the "Republic of Somaliland" as an independent and sovereign state. This decision is seen as a potential shift in the power structure in the region and a significant test for the Somali government, which has consistently opposed independence.
According to Thai News Agency, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed that Israel will immediately seek cooperation with Somaliland in areas such as agriculture, health, technology, and the economy. In an official statement, the Israeli leader congratulated Somali President Abdirahman Mohammed Abdullahi, praising his leadership and inviting him to pay an official visit to Israel.
Netanyahu stated that this announcement of recognition is in line with the spirit of the "Abraham Accords," signed under the initiative of President Donald Trump. This 2020 agreement, brokered by the first Trump administration, enabled Israel to establish diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and other countries subsequently.
Somaliland President Abdullahi issued a statement confirming Somaliland's participation in the Abraham Accords, viewing it as a crucial step toward regional and global peace. He affirmed Somaliland's commitment to building alliances to promote shared prosperity and security throughout the Middle East and Africa.
However, the Somali government immediately condemned Israel's move, describing it as illegal and a deliberate attack on Somalia's sovereignty. They also declared their complete rejection of Somaliland's independence. Furthermore, the Somali central government affirmed its intention to pursue all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures in accordance with international law to protect its sovereignty, unity, and internationally recognized territories.
Somaliland has enjoyed independent self-governance and a relatively peaceful and stable period since 1991, after Somalia fell into civil war. However, this independent territory had never been recognized by any country in the world until this declaration by Israel.