The Federal Government of Somalia has vehemently rejected Israel's formal recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state, describing the move as an "unlawful step" and a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The sharp rebuke came in an official statement from the Office of the Prime Minister on December 26, 2025, hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the historic decision, making Israel the first United Nations member state to extend such recognition.
The Somali government reaffirmed its "absolute and non-negotiable commitment to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity," grounding its position in Somalia's Provisional Constitution, the UN Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act. "The Federal Government of Somalia categorically and unequivocally rejects the deliberate attack to its sovereignty and the unlawful step by Israel purporting to recognize the northern region of Somalia," the statement declared. It emphasized that Somaliland "is an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the sovereign territory" of Somalia, asserting that "no external actor has the authority or standing to alter its unity or territorial configuration."
Any such "declaration, recognition, or arrangement" was deemed "null, void, and without any legal or political effect under international law." The statement warned that Israel's action risks "undermining regional peace and stability" in the Horn of Africa, Red Sea, and Gulf of Aden, potentially "exacerbating political and security tensions" and "creating enabling conditions for terrorist groups to exploit political instability."
Somalia reiterated its longstanding support for Palestinian rights, stating it "firmly rejects occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and settlement expansion," and "will never accept making the Palestinian people stateless." It also cautioned against foreign military bases that could entangle the region in "proxy conflicts or import regional and international hostilities."
The government urged the international community to "act responsibly" by upholding international law and principles of non-interference, while calling on Somali citizens to remain "united, vigilant, and resolute" in defending national sovereignty. It pledged to pursue "all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures" to protect its internationally recognized borders.
Israel's announcement on December 26, 2025, involved Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signing a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, including embassies and ambassadors. Netanyahu framed it "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords," pledging cooperation in agriculture, health, technology, and economy. Somaliland hailed it as a "historic moment," with its president expressing readiness to join the Accords.
Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence in 1991 amid Somalia's civil war. It has functioned as a de facto state with its own government, currency, and institutions but lacked formal recognition until Israel's move. Somalia views any engagement with Somaliland as a sovereignty violation.
The decision drew widespread regional condemnation. The African Union rejected any recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming its commitment to Somalia's unity. Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, and Saudi Arabia issued statements supporting Somalia's territorial integrity, warning of threats to peace and precedents for separatism. The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation also categorically rejected the move.
As of December 27, 2025, the development has heightened diplomatic tensions, with potential implications for Red Sea security and broader Horn of Africa stability.
