Published on: January 10, 2026

ISRAEL’S RECOGNITION OF SOMALILAND

ISRAEL’S RECOGNITION OF SOMALILAND

News: Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Somaliland

  • Somaliland is a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa.
  • It declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after Somalia collapsed into civil war.

Geographical Context (Horn of Africa)

Somaliland lies in a strategically crucial region:

  • Near the Red Sea
  • Close to major maritime trade routes
  • To the east lies Indian Ocean

Why Did Israel Recognise Somaliland

  • Israel stated the recognition aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords
  • Somaliland has shown willingness to join the Abraham Accords