Israel Becomes First UN Member to Recognize Somaliland's Independence, Causing Regional Backlash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel has formally recognized Somaliland, a self-declared republic in northern Somalia, as a sovereign state, making it the first United Nations member to do so. The move, framed as an extension of the Abraham Accords' spirit of regional cooperation, comes amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa and could reshape Israel's strategic footprint in the volatile Red Sea area.

Netanyahu personally congratulated Somaliland President Muse Bihi Abdi during a phone call, where the two leaders signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition. "Israel recognizes Somaliland as an independent country, and we are committed to working together for peace, stability, and prosperity," Netanyahu stated, highlighting potential economic and security partnerships.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a brutal civil war, has operated as a de facto state with its own government, elections, currency, and armed forces for over 34 years. Despite its relative stability compared to war-torn Somalia, it has lacked international recognition, with the global community prioritizing Somalia's territorial integrity under UN auspices.

The region's strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait—a critical shipping lane disrupted by Yemen's Houthi rebels, has drawn increasing foreign interest.Analysts suggest Israel's decision is motivated by geopolitical strategy, including countering Iranian influence and Houthi threats in the Red Sea. Somaliland's port of Berbera could serve as a hub for intelligence sharing, military cooperation, or even basing operations, reducing Israel's dependence on facilities in nearby Djibouti. Earlier unconfirmed reports from 2025 hinted at discussions about resettling Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland in exchange for recognition, though Netanyahu's office has not addressed these claims.

The announcement has ignited fierce international condemnation. Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud labeled it an "illegal aggression" and a direct assault on his country's sovereignty, vowing to defend national unity. Mogadishu has called for an emergency UN Security Council session on December 29 to address the issue. The African Union (AU) swiftly rejected the recognition, warning it threatens regional stability and contravenes AU principles on borders. Neighboring Djibouti echoed these sentiments, accusing Israel of violating international norms. A chorus of Arab and Muslim nations, including Egypt, Turkey, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, and Iran, denounced the move as a breach of the UN Charter and an escalation in regional conflicts.

Turkey's criticism has drawn accusations of double standards, given its own recognition of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus despite international opposition.

In Somaliland, the news sparked jubilation. Crowds celebrated in the streets of Hargeisa, the capital, while the House of Representatives unanimously endorsed the declaration, calling it a milestone toward broader international acceptance.

President Abdi asserted that Somaliland meets all criteria for statehood under international law, including a permanent population, defined territory, and effective governance. Al-Shabaab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated terror group active in Somalia, threatened retaliatory jihad against Somaliland and any "Zionist interests" in the region, raising fears of heightened violence.

Observers note that the recognition could intensify competition over Somalia's resources and military bases, where powers like the U.S., China, and the UAE already maintain a presence.As the UN prepares to convene, the decision's long-term impact remains uncertain. It may isolate Israel further in some quarters but could pave the way for other nations to recognize Somaliland if mutual benefits prove compelling.