Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state has prompted a strong international backlash. Major regional bodies — including the African Union, Arab League, GCC and OIC — and many states condemned the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law. Somalia demanded a reversal while Somaliland’s authorities welcomed the recognition, and militant group al‑Shabab vowed to resist any attempts to assert Israeli claims. Observers warn the decision could set a dangerous precedent and increase regional instability.
Global Backlash After Israel Recognises Somaliland — Regional Blocs Warn Of Dangerous Precedent
A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa in November 2024 [File: AFP]
Israel’s announcement that it recognises Somaliland as an independent, sovereign state has triggered widespread condemnation from regional and international organisations, numerous governments, and political actors across the world.
Background
Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway territory in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has not received broad international recognition. Its president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who took office last year, has prioritised securing formal recognition for the territory.
The Announcement
On Friday, Israel said it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state", becoming the first country to make such a formal declaration. The move prompted immediate diplomatic fallout and a cascade of public statements from regional and international bodies.
International And Regional Reactions
The African Union (AU) swiftly rejected the recognition, warning that unilateral recognitions risk "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent." AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said the AU "firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia."
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit criticised the decision as "a clear violation of international law and a flagrant infringement of the principle of the unity and sovereignty of states," calling unilateral recognitions "an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs."
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) characterised the move as "a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement" on Somalia’s sovereignty, with GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi warning it could "undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa."
The European Union emphasised respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity and urged dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued a joint statement backed by foreign ministers from several countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and others, expressing "unequivocal rejection" of Israel’s recognition and warning of serious repercussions for regional and international security.
Several individual states — among them Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Nigeria — issued separate condemnations. The Palestinian Authority and Hamas also rejected the Israeli decision.
Somalia, Somaliland And Other Reactions
Somalia branded the recognition a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, formally demanded that Israel reverse the decision and said it would harm regional stability. Somaliland’s leader, Abdullahi, hailed the announcement as a "historic moment" and described it as the start of a "strategic partnership."
Former U.S. President Donald Trump was asked whether Washington would follow Israel’s lead; he replied "no" and asked rhetorically, "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?"
Security Concerns
The development also raised security alarms. Al-Shabab, the al‑Qaeda‑linked militant group active in Somalia, vowed to fight any attempt by Israel "to claim or use parts of Somaliland," saying, "We will not accept it, and we will fight against it." Analysts warn that the recognition could heighten tensions in a region already affected by insurgency and fragile governance.
Allegations And Wider Fears
Earlier reports this year linked discussions about recognising Somaliland to alleged plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the Horn of Africa. Those reports have fuelled further concern and were explicitly rejected in statements by multiple countries and international bodies.
Implications
Diplomatically, the move risks isolating Israel on this issue and may complicate broader regional relations. For Somalia and Somaliland, the recognition raises the stakes in an already sensitive dispute over sovereignty and territorial integrity. For neighbouring countries and regional organisations, the core worry is that unilateral recognitions could encourage other separatist claims and destabilise fragile states.
Conclusion
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has reshaped a longstanding, carefully managed diplomatic issue into an active international controversy. With major regional bodies condemning the move and security groups threatening to respond violently, the situation is likely to remain tense and closely watched by governments and analysts worldwide.
