ASIATODAY.ID, RIYADH — Geopolitical tensions in the Horn of Africa escalated sharply after Israel became the first country to officially recognize the independence of Somaliland, a breakaway region that has separated from Somalia since 1991.
The controversial move has drawn strong condemnation from Somalia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), which warned of serious repercussions for regional stability.
GCC Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi denounced Israel’s recognition of the so-called Somaliland as a grave violation of international law and a blatant infringement upon the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
Albudaiwi warned that Israel’s unilateral action sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine stability across the Horn of Africa and open the door to new tensions and conflicts.
He stressed that the move runs counter to regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening global peace and security.
“This recognition contradicts international legitimacy and directly violates United Nations resolutions that affirm Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity,” he said on December 26, 2025.
Israel Signs Declaration, Somaliland Hails “Strategic Partnership”
The Israeli government in West Jerusalem announced that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar had signed an official declaration recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state.
In a phone call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu described relations between Israel and Somaliland as “historic and seminal,” stating that Israel intends to cooperate with Somaliland in economic development, agriculture, and social affairs.
Abdullahi welcomed Israel’s decision as the beginning of a “strategic partnership”, expressing Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords, under which several Arab and Muslim states have normalized relations with Israel.
Netanyahu also invited Abdullahi to pay an official visit to Israel—an invitation Somaliland’s leader said he would accept “as soon as possible.”
Somalia Condemns Recognition as “Deliberate Attack”
Somalia responded with sharp criticism, accusing Israel of launching a “deliberate attack on Somalia’s sovereignty.” In an official statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the recognition seriously undermines regional peace and stability and exacerbates political and security tensions.
Somalia maintains that Somaliland remains an integral part of its national territory, despite the region’s unilateral declaration of separation following years of conflict in the early 1990s.
African Union and Global Reactions
African Union Commission Chairperson Mahamoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed that Somaliland “remains an integral part of Somalia,” warning that Israel’s move risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the African continent.
Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump, when asked whether Washington might follow Israel’s lead, said the United States was not ready to recognize Somaliland. Questioning public understanding of the region, Trump said the issue would be “studied.”
GCC Reaffirms Full Support for Somalia
Referring to the final communiqué of the 164th session of the GCC Ministerial Council, Albudaiwi reiterated the Gulf states’ unwavering support for Somalia in all matters related to its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.
The GCC also urged the international community to reject any recognition of entities or actions that contradict international consensus and threaten the unity of sovereign states.
“Preserving Somalia’s territorial integrity is not merely a regional concern,” Albudaiwi emphasized, “but a fundamental pillar of international order and collective global security.” (AT Network)
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