Why Does Israel Recognize Somaliland (And Other Nations Not)?

Women in Somaliland, prior to parliamentary elections in 2005. (F. Omer / wikipedia)

Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state - a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia's longstanding opposition to secession. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and the economy. In a statement, he congratulated Somaliland's president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel.

What is Somaliland and its history?

In a recent broadcast on SAAB TV, Edna Adan Ismail, Somaliland's former Foreign Minister and renowned "Iron Lady of Africa," thanked Israel for recognizing Somaliland's sovereignty. She outlined its history as a British protectorate that achieved independence on June 26, 1960, before Somalia, followed by a failed union with Somalia. Post-separation, Somaliland rebuilt without aid, establishing a constitution, elected government, borders, currency, and passports. Emphasizing 34 years of peace, strategic Red Sea location free of terrorism and piracy, and trading heritage, she urged global recognition for mutual trade benefits and regional stability, noting Somalia's self-fragmentation poses no risk.

Israel recognizes Somaliland, why? 

Somaliland sits on the Bab al-Mandab Strait and is an economic choke point for shipping heading from the Mediterranean to the Indian Ocean. As such, this is globally considered to be a vitally important trade zone. Many commentators see Israel’s move as strategic. It ostensibly puts Israel and the UAE on one side, sharing interests in this region. Meanwhile, states such as Turkey, which support Somalia, are situated on the other side.

Why won’t other nations recognize Somaliland?

Following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, a region of Somalia, as an “independent state,” Turkey, several Middle Eastern and African countries, and international organizations issued a series of reactions. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli said the move amounts to open interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, noting that decisions related to the future of the country and its northern breakaway region must reflect the will of all Somalis.

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said Israel’s move is "against international law" and constitutes unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, stressing that "Somalia & its people are one: inseparable by division from afar." Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls with his counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye, and Djibouti, rejecting and condemning Israel’s decision, according to the Foreign Ministry. The ministry stressed that any unilateral action that violates Somalia’s sovereignty or undermines its stability, including attempts to impose parallel entities, is unacceptable.

Praise for Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

In a recent Senate committee hearing, Senator Ted Cruz urged Trump to acknowledge Somaliland as an independent nation, highlighting Israel's recent acknowledgment and emphasizing its importance as a strategic action to counteract China's influence in the Horn of Africa while supporting an ally in the fight against terrorism.

Hypocrisy of the Free Palestinian movement 

Many Arab and Pro-Palestinian nations have condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. These same countries have called on Israel to end its conflict with the Palestinians by implementing a two-state solution and recognizing an independent Palestinian state. 

Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Saudi Arabia will not normalize relations with Israel unless a Palestinian state is established and the war in Gaza ends. “For the kingdom, recognition is very much tied to the establishment of the Palestinian state.” Yet Saudi Arabia said Israel's recognition of Somaliland entrenches "unilateral, separatist measures" and contradicts international law. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the kingdom's "full support" for the sovereignty of Somalia and the unity and integrity of its territory.

The hypocrisy of condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland’s independence, while simultaneously demanding Israel recognize an independent Palestinian state doesn’t seem to have registered with these countries. Even Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed “his support for the unity and integrity of Somali territories, and his complete rejection of any steps that could undermine Somali sovereignty or undermine the foundations of stability in the country.”

Wrap up 

Israel's groundbreaking recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state marks a strategic triumph for the stable, peaceful breakaway region, offering cooperation in key sectors while securing Israel's interests in the vital Bab al-Mandab Strait. Yet, it has provoked widespread outrage from Somalia, Arab nations, and pro-Palestinian advocates, who decry it as interference violating territorial integrity. This backlash starkly highlights their hypocrisy: the same voices that demand Israel recognize Palestinian independence vehemently oppose Somaliland's long-deserved self-determination, exposing the selective application of international principles.