What Is Somaliland, and Why Israel’s Recognition on Friday Is Reshaping Regional Politics

NAIROBI, Kenya (VINnews) — Israel on Friday became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent country, a move that has drawn praise from Somaliland’s leaders and sharp criticism from Somalia, regional organizations and several foreign governments.

Somaliland is a territory in the Horn of Africa that declared independence from Somalia in 1991, after decades of conflict and the collapse of Somalia’s central government. It has its own government, legislature, security forces and currency, and has maintained relative stability compared with much of Somalia.

Despite functioning independently for more than three decades, Somaliland has not been recognized as a sovereign state by the United Nations or by most governments — until Israel’s announcement on Friday.

Why Recognition Is Significant

Recognition by a UN member country can bolster a territory’s bid for broader diplomatic acceptance and can open doors to formal ties, trade deals and international engagement. Israel’s decision underscored its interest in strengthening diplomatic and strategic links in East Africa.

Somaliland officials welcomed the move as a historic breakthrough, saying formal recognition after more than 30 years of pursuit could help unlock economic and diplomatic opportunities.

Somalia and Regional Opposition

Somalia’s federal government condemned the recognition, saying it violated its sovereignty and territorial integrity. The African Union reiterated its long-standing support for a unified Somalia, warning that changing colonial-era borders could have destabilizing effects across the continent.

Several Muslim-majority countries and regional blocs criticized the move, saying it could exacerbate tensions and undermine long-term peace efforts in the Horn of Africa.

The Prime Minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Sa'ar, and the President of the Republic of Somaliland signed a joint and mutual declaration. pic.twitter.com/M0AeTs5oxY

— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) December 26, 2025

United States Position

Unlike Israel’s gesture of recognition, the United States has not endorsed Somaliland’s independence. According to reporting by the New York Post, President Donald J. Trump said the U.S. is not ready to embrace Somaliland’s independence in the same way, reflecting broader diplomatic caution in Washington.

U.S. officials have historically avoided formal recognition of Somaliland, instead favoring support for Somalia’s territorial integrity while maintaining informal engagement with Somaliland’s authorities. American policymakers have expressed concerns that recognition of breakaway regions could set precedents affecting other separatist movements and complicate efforts to stabilize Somalia.

Geopolitical Context

Somaliland occupies a strategic position at the entrance to the Red Sea and along major global shipping routes — geography that has attracted interest from foreign governments seeking to expand influence in Africa and the Middle East.

Israel’s recognition may reflect its broader foreign policy goals of building alliances beyond its traditional regions, while the U.S. approach highlights a more cautious posture on issues of sovereignty and territorial division.

What Comes Next

For Somaliland, Israel’s recognition is a milestone, but it remains the only UN member state to take that step. Whether other countries will follow suit — and whether Washington’s stance might evolve — remains uncertain.

The debate over Somaliland’s status underscores competing international principles: the right to self-determination claimed by Somaliland’s leaders versus long-standing norms that uphold existing national borders and discourage unilateral secession.