Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as an independent nation, according to an announcement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The move makes Israel the first country to officially recognize the breakaway region of Somalia. Netanyahu stated that Israel intends to immediately increase cooperation with Somaliland in the areas of agriculture, health, and technology.
Somaliland's President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed the recognition as a "historic moment." He added that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords, describing it as a step toward regional and global peace, and reiterated Somaliland's commitment to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity, and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.
The decision has been met with condemnation from Somalia, whose Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre stated that his country categorically and unequivocally rejected what he described as a deliberate attack by Israel on its sovereignty.
Somaliland, a self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa, declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia's central government. Despite lacking widespread international recognition, Somaliland has maintained a relatively stable government, its own currency, and democratic institutions. The region has been striving for international recognition for over three decades, arguing that it has fulfilled the criteria for statehood under international law.
Recognition by Israel could potentially encourage other nations to follow suit, which would enhance Somaliland's diplomatic standing and improve its access to international markets and financial institutions. The lack of international recognition has hindered Somaliland's economic development and its ability to attract foreign investment.
The Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic agreements brokered by the United States in 2020, normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco. Somaliland's stated intention to join the accords signals its desire to integrate further into the international community and foster closer ties with countries in the Middle East.
The foreign ministers of Somalia have condemned the decision. The long-term implications of Israel's recognition of Somaliland and its impact on regional stability remain to be seen.
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