Hargeisa (Kaab TV) – Israel on Friday, December 26, 2025, formally recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a historic diplomatic milestone for the self-declared republic more than three decades after it unilaterally broke away from Somalia.
The recognition was announced following a videoconference meeting between Somaliland President Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Both governments issued statements confirming the decision, which was formalized through a joint declaration of mutual recognition.
Israeli officials stated that the declaration, signed by Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and President Cirro, establishes full diplomatic relations, including the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.
In a statement from the Office of the President of Somaliland, the government “warmly welcomes and deeply appreciates the historic and principled decision by the State of Israel to officially recognize its sovereignty and independence,” describing the move as a landmark achievement in its pursuit of international legitimacy.
“This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding quest for international legitimacy, reaffirming its historical, legal, and moral entitlement to statehood,” the statement read. It emphasized that the recognition reflects mutual respect and shared strategic interests between the two sides.
Prime Minister Netanyahu said the move reflects growing political, diplomatic, and strategic alignment between Israel and Somaliland.
“This declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” Netanyahu said, referencing the U.S.-brokered agreements that normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. He congratulated President Cirro, praising his leadership and commitment to promoting regional stability and peace.
Somaliland’s presidential office stated that the recognition underscores Somaliland’s record as “a stable, democratic, and responsible partner in the Horn of Africa,” and opens a new chapter for cooperation in security, diplomacy, and development.
Israel announced plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology, and economic development. Netanyahu also extended a formal invitation for President Cirro to visit Israel to discuss shared interests and priority issues.
Somaliland indicated that it intends to join the Abraham Accords framework, describing it as a platform for dialogue, cooperation, and regional peace. The statement affirmed Somaliland’s commitment to building constructive partnerships, promoting shared prosperity, and contributing to peace and stability across the Middle East and Africa.
Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar noted that relations between Israel and Somaliland had developed over the past year through sustained dialogue. He added that Israel’s foreign ministry had been instructed to institutionalize ties across multiple sectors.
“We will work together to promote relations between our countries and peoples, regional stability, and economic prosperity,” Sa’ar said. Netanyahu also expressed gratitude to Mossad Director David Barnea and Israel’s intelligence services for their role in advancing the agreement, while wishing the people of Somaliland “success, prosperity, and freedom.”
Somaliland’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed the announcement, stating that momentum was building and that additional official statements were expected.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of Somalia’s central government. Since then, it has maintained its own government, security institutions, and electoral processes, though it had not previously received formal recognition from any country.
The Federal Government of Somalia, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory, is expected to issue an official response to Israel’s announcement.