Israel don formally recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country for the world to take such step since the region declare independence from Somalia over three decades ago.
Statement from the office of Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, on Friday confirm say Israel don recognise the Republic of Somaliland and also sign agreement to establish full diplomatic relations between both sides.
Netanyahu office say the recognition follow the spirit of the Abraham Accords, wey be the agreements Israel sign with several Arab countries during the first term of former US President Donald Trump.
Somaliland President Hail Historic Breakthrough
President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, describe the move as historic, saying e mark the beginning of a strategic partnership between Somaliland and Israel.
“This na historic moment as we welcome the Prime Minister of Israel recognition of the Republic of Somaliland. Somaliland ready to join the Abraham Accords and normalise relations with Israel,” Abdullahi post for X.
He also say e don instruct his foreign affairs ministry to act immediately to formalise ties between the two countries across different sectors.
Netanyahu office confirm say e don invite Abdullahi to visit Israel, while the Somaliland leader thank am for the “historic declaration.”
Decades of Isolation for Somaliland
Somaliland declare independence from Somalia in 1991, but for over 30 years, no country formally recognise am until now.
Despite having its own government, currency, passports and army, the region suffer long years of international isolation, which limit access to foreign loans, aid and international investment.
The lack of recognition don contribute to deep poverty for the region, even as e occupy strategic location along the Gulf of Aden, one of the world busiest shipping routes.
Regional Tensions and Wider Diplomacy
A controversial deal last year between Ethiopia and Somaliland, wey allow Ethiopia lease part of Somaliland coastline for port and military base, anger Somalia and raise regional tension.
Israel, meanwhile, don dey push to strengthen diplomatic relations across Africa and the Middle East, following the Abraham Accords signed in 2020 with countries like United Arab Emirates and Morocco.
However, analysts say Israel recent diplomatic expansion face challenges due to ongoing conflicts, especially the war in Gaza, wey don fuel anger across the Arab world.
