Somaliland has welcomed Israel’s decision to recognise it as an independent state, more than three decades after the self-governing region declared independence from Somalia.
In an exclusive interview on Saturday, Somaliland’s Deputy Minister of Information, Culture and Awareness, Muuse Askar Guuled, described the move as a major diplomatic breakthrough following years of international isolation.
“Israel has opened the door. It has responded to the long-standing request of the Republic of Somaliland, which for many years has appealed to the international community for recognition,” Guuled said. “We sincerely thank the Government of Israel for responding to our demands and aspirations for Somaliland’s independence.”
Guuled expressed optimism that Israel’s recognition could encourage other countries to follow suit, potentially enabling Somaliland to access international markets and strengthen its diplomatic standing after more than 34 years of seeking recognition.
“I believe the time has borne fruit. The world is now ready to be convinced to recognise Somaliland,” he stated.
He highlighted Somaliland’s democratic governance, stability, and security as key attributes that distinguish it in the Horn of Africa, alongside its strategic geographical location.
“What we offer the international community is our democracy, stability, and security; our openness to the world; and our strategic location—an opportunity the world cannot afford to overlook,” Guuled added.
Israel’s decision has drawn criticism from several countries, including Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, which issued a joint statement rejecting Tel Aviv’s recognition of Somaliland. Somalia also demanded on Friday that Israel reverse its decision, calling it an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated.”
Responding to the backlash, Guuled said such opposition was expected and would not deter Somaliland’s aspirations.
“If they do not grant us recognition, they cannot stop others from doing so,” he said. “Their hostility does not affect Somaliland. Those who support us are more numerous than those who oppose us.”
Israel becomes the first country to formally recognise Somaliland since it broke away from Somalia in 1991. The recognition follows letters sent in May 2025 by Somaliland’s president to 190 countries seeking international recognition.
With a population of nearly six million, Somaliland has maintained relative peace and stability in a volatile region but has remained diplomatically isolated. The territory briefly gained international recognition in 1960 before voluntarily uniting with Somalia later that year. Despite operating its own government institutions, currency, flag, and parliament, Somaliland remains unrecognised by the United Nations, with some eastern regions still disputed.