Explained: Somaliland Gains First Recognition From Israel — Where Does Trump Stand? | World News
Recognition of Somaliland: Israel officially recognized Somaliland as an independent country on Friday. Responding to the move, Somalia harshly criticized Israel’s decision and also demanded its reversal, calling it an act of “aggression that can never be tolerated”.
With this decision, Israel became the first country to do so 30 years after the region’s separation from Somalia. Jerusalem’s move drew criticism from African and Arab countries.
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is preparing to hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss Israel’s decision to officially recognize Somaliland.
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Israel Recognizes Somaliland as an Independent State
The mutual recognition declaration was signed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar on behalf of Israel, and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi on behalf of Somaliland.
Speaking on the phone with President Abdullahi, Netanyahu described this moment as historic. He said the recognition was in line with Israel’s broader regional support. He stated that the declaration “is in line with the spirit of the Abraham Accords signed at the initiative of US President Donald Trump.”
Quoting Times of Israel, ANI stated that the Abraham Accords signed in 2020 led to Israel establishing diplomatic relations with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Bahrain, with Morocco and other countries later joining.
Somaliland has said it wishes to join the Abraham Accords framework.
What is Trump’s Stand on Somaliland?
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that recognition was in line with the spirit of the Abraham Accords and said that he would defend Somaliland in his meeting with US President Donald Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump distanced himself from this movement; He told the New York Post that he would not comply with Israel’s decision.
According to ANI, the US President’s remarks marked a departure from earlier comments that suggested his administration was working on the Somaliland issue.
The US also recently expressed its disappointment with Somalia at the UN, citing security concerns.
Where is Somaliland?
The disengagement zone is located in a strategically important part of the Horn of Africa, along the Red Sea corridor.
Somaliland briefly gained independence in 1960 and was recognized by Israel and 35 other countries before voluntarily reuniting with Somalia.
After Somalia was dragged into civil war in 1991, the country declared separation again. Since then, Somaliland has largely functioned as a separate state, with its own government, currency, and security forces.
ANI reported that Somaliland also saw relatively stable governance and peaceful democratic transitions, which contrasted with the long-term instability in Somalia.
Although no other country has officially recognized Somaliland so far, many countries, including the UK, Turkey, UAE, Denmark and Taiwan, have maintained unofficial diplomatic ties with Somaliland.
(with ANI entries)
