In December 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel would recognize Somaliland, a self-declared region in northern Somalia. The announcement surprised many Somalis and sparked mixed reactions across the country. While some people welcomed the move as historic, others feared it could increase divisions and instability.
Despite the declaration, most countries and international organizations continued to support Somalia’s territorial unity. Leaders such as Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud emphasized that Somalia remains one unified state and that its territorial integrity is “non-negotiable.”
Somali officials also raised concerns about Israel’s intentions. Defense Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi claimed that Israel might be planning to relocate Palestinians to Somaliland and possibly establish a military base near the strategic Bab al‑Mandeb Strait, an important shipping route connecting the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Several international partners quickly rejected the recognition. Türkiye strongly reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s unity. During a press conference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el‑Sisi, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan stated that unilateral decisions that threaten Somalia’s unity are unacceptable.
Meanwhile, internal political developments also challenged Somaliland’s claims. In the Awdal region, protests erupted in the city of Borama after the announcement. Local leaders later declared the creation of Guban State aligned with Somalia’s federal government. In another disputed area, SSC‑Khaatumo reorganized itself as the North Eastern State of Somalia, reinforcing ties with the central government.
Globally, major organizations such as the African Union, European Union, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Gulf Cooperation Council all continued to support Somalia’s unity. Even the United States, under President Donald Trump, reaffirmed its longstanding “One Somalia” policy during a United Nations emergency session.
Although Somaliland officials attempted to use the recognition to gain diplomatic visibility at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the visit mainly involved informal meetings, including with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. No additional countries followed Israel in recognizing Somaliland.
Analysts say the situation shows that international legitimacy cannot be created through unilateral declarations or symbolic meetings. For now, the global community still recognizes Somalia as a single sovereign country, and any long-term solution will likely require negotiations within Somalia’s constitutional framework.
Source: TRT africa
