The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) issued sharp condemnations on December 26, 2025, denouncing Israel's formal recognition of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state. Both organizations described the move as a grave violation of international law, Somalia's sovereignty, and regional stability in the Horn of Africa.
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stated: “This is a clear violation of international law and a flagrant infringement of the principle of the unity and sovereignty of states.” He warned that “any attempt to impose unilateral recognitions constitutes an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability.”
Similarly, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi rejected the recognition, calling it “a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement” of Somalia’s sovereignty. “This recognition represents a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and open the door to further tensions and conflicts, contradicting regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security in the region,” Albudaiwi said. He reaffirmed GCC nations' support for Somalia “in all matters that would bolster its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, thereby ensuring a dignified life for its brotherly people.”
Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognize Somaliland on December 26, 2025, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the decision during a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi. The two leaders signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, including embassies and ambassadors, framed "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords." Netanyahu pledged cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and economy.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 amid civil war. It has operated as a de facto independent entity with its own government, currency, elections, and security forces, achieving relative stability compared to southern Somalia. However, it lacked formal recognition until Israel's move. Somalia considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory and views any external engagement as a sovereignty violation.
The Somali government swiftly rejected the recognition as an "unlawful step" and "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, pledging diplomatic, political, and legal measures to defend its borders.
Broader condemnations included the African Union, which reaffirmed commitment to Somalia's unity, and countries like Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia, warning of threats to peace.
The development highlights geopolitical shifts, with potential strategic implications for Red Sea security amid ongoing regional conflicts.
