Israel’s Somaliland Recognition: What You Need to Know Now

Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state has drawn condemnation from Somalia and several foreign governments, who say the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty and risks destabilising the Horn of Africa.

Somalia’s federal government said the recognition was unlawful and contravened international law, reiterating that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a statement on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision undermines the principles of the United Nations Charter and threatens regional and international stability.

The ministry said Somalia had launched a diplomatic campaign instructing its embassies and consulates in more than 40 countries to engage host governments and international institutions to prevent further recognition of Somaliland. Diplomats were directed to contact foreign ministries, parliamentary committees and multilateral organisations, the statement said.

Several countries, including Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, issued statements reaffirming their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Türkiye’s foreign ministry said Israel’s decision was inconsistent with international law and warned it could encourage instability in the region.

The African Union has long maintained that Somaliland’s status should be resolved within Somalia’s constitutional framework. No African Union member state has recognised Somaliland since it declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia’s central government.

Somaliland, located in northwestern Somalia, has operated as a self-governing entity for more than three decades, with its own administration, security forces and periodic elections. Despite maintaining relative stability compared with much of southern and central Somalia, it has failed to gain international recognition.

Israel’s decision represents a departure from the long-standing international position supporting Somalia’s territorial integrity. Analysts said the move could complicate diplomatic relations in the Horn of Africa and strain Israel’s ties with Arab and African states that back Somalia’s unity.

Israeli officials have not publicly detailed the legal basis for the recognition. In a statement earlier this week, Israel said the decision was consistent with its foreign policy interests but did not address objections raised by Somalia and other countries.

Somalia said it would pursue all diplomatic and legal avenues to challenge the recognition. The foreign ministry warned that any attempt to legitimise Somaliland’s secession would be rejected and called on the international community to uphold existing resolutions on Somalia’s sovereignty.

The United Nations has repeatedly affirmed Somalia’s territorial integrity in Security Council resolutions and continues to recognise the federal government in Mogadishu as the country’s sole legitimate authority.

Diplomatic sources said further statements from regional and international actors were expected in the coming days as Somalia steps up pressure to contain the fallout from Israel’s move.