December 27, 2025
Israel becomes the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks during a joint press conference with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, in Jerusalem on December 22, 2025. —Reuters The African Union rejects the recognition of Somaliland. Somalia condemns Israel’s move as illegal. Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti discuss tensions in the Horn of Africa. Israel became the first country to formally recognize the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday – a decision that could reshape regional dynamics and test Somalia’s long-standing opposition to secession. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would seek direct cooperation







