Somaliland Welcomes Israeli Recognition, Signals Intention to Join Abraham Accords

GOOBJOOG NEWS|HARGEISA: The Republic of Somaliland has formally welcomed Israel’s decision to recognize its sovereignty, describing the move as a historic milestone in its long pursuit of international legitimacy and statehood.

In an official declaration issued by the Office of the President on Thursday, Somaliland said Israel’s recognition affirms its historical, legal, and moral claim to independence, and reflects what it described as Somaliland’s established record as a stable and democratic polity in the Horn of Africa.

“This recognition represents a milestone in Somaliland’s longstanding pursuit of international legitimacy,” the statement said, adding that it underscores mutual respect and shared interests between the two sides.

The declaration, signed by President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi (Irro), goes beyond welcoming Israel’s move. Somaliland also announced its intention to accede to the Abraham Accords, the U.S.-brokered framework aimed at normalizing relations between Israel and other states.

The government said joining the accords aligns with its vision of advancing regional and global peace, strengthening cooperation, and promoting mutual prosperity across Africa and the Middle East.

“Through its endorsement of this framework for cooperation and dialogue, Somaliland reaffirms its commitment to building constructive partnerships and contributing meaningfully to peace and stability,” the statement noted.

Somaliland further confirmed that Israel’s recognition paves the way for the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including the appointment of ambassadors and deeper cooperation across a broad range of sectors guided by what it termed shared values and mutual respect.

While Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a self-governing entity for more than three decades, it has remained unrecognized by most of the international community. Israel’s move, if sustained, would mark the first formal recognition by a UN member state and could set a precedent for others.

The development comes amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa and growing debate within Western capitals about long-term engagement with Somalia. Somaliland officials have consistently argued that their record of relative stability, regular elections, and functional institutions merits international recognition.

Neither Somalia’s federal government nor regional bodies have yet issued an official response to the announcement.

Observers say Somaliland’s reference to the Abraham Accords signals an effort to position itself within emerging diplomatic and economic alignments linking Africa, the Middle East, and key global partners, potentially reshaping its international standing if other countries follow Israel’s lead.