Somalis in Mogadishu, Somalia, express joy after Israel becomes the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state on December 27, 2025. Photo: REUTERS/Feisal Omar

Somaliland, a breakaway territory in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has repeatedly sought international recognition. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday announced Israel’s recognition of  Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

The Somali government, the African Union Commission (AUC), and the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD) warned that the move risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa region.

AUC Chairman Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in a statement that “Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia runs counter to the fundamental principles of the African Union and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”

The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), China, Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Nigeria warned that the decision could affect peace and stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.

EU foreign affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni said Somalia's sovereignty should be respected.  "The EU encourages meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long standing differences," he added.