Israel has become the first country to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, a breakthrough in its quest for international recognition since it declared independence from Somalia 34 years ago. The Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Sa’ar, announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed an agreement establishing full diplomatic relations, which would include the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors. Somaliland controls the north-west tip of Somalia, where it operates a de facto state, and is bordered by Djibouti to the north-west and Ethiopia to the west and south. Not if, but when and who will lead the recognition of Somaliland,” Abdullahi told the Guardian. Cruz said Somaliland was an ally of Israel and that it had expressed support for the Abraham accords.

Source: The Guardian December 26, 2025 20:54 UTC