Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily on Friday (December 26, 2025) after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" — the first country to do so.
Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year.
But a Somali Foreign Ministry statement warned the decision was a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Several other countries also condemned Israel's decision.
The African Union said it "firmly rejects" Israel's move, warning: "Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia...risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent."
