The geopolitical landscape of the Horn of Africa shifted over the weekend as Israel announced its official recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state. This landmark decision, made public on Friday, December 26, 2025, marks the first time any nation has formally acknowledged the statehood of the region that declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
Celebrations Erupt in Somaliland
The announcement triggered widespread jubilation across the self-proclaimed Republic of Somaliland. On Sunday, thousands of citizens flooded the streets of the capital, Hargeisa, with many converging on a central stadium. Crowds, draped in the green, white, and red of the Somaliland flag, chanted "Victory for Somaliland!" in a historic moment broadcast live by local television stations.
"I have not slept since the day the recognition was announced because of excitement," said Shamis Mohamed, one of the celebrants, in a telephone interview with AFP. The sentiment was echoed by resident Abdirahman Keyse, who stated, "My feelings cannot be estimated today…. Thanks to God for this victory."
Authorities confirmed that similar gatherings of support were held in other towns, including Burao and Gebiley. In a symbolic gesture, the Somaliland flag was hoisted alongside the flag of Israel during official ceremonies.
Somali Government Condemns Israeli Move
The reaction from the Federal Republic of Somalia was one of fierce condemnation. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud addressed an emergency session of parliament, denouncing Israel's decision as a direct assault on his nation's unity.
President Mohamud stated the recognition was "tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic." He went further, accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of attempting to divide Somalia and labeling the move a "threat to the security and stability of the world and the region."
Strategic Stakes and Regional Implications
The recognition carries significant strategic weight. Somaliland, though diplomatically isolated for over three decades, maintains its own government, currency, passport, and military. It occupies a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden, a critical maritime corridor linking the Red Sea to the Indian Ocean.
This development introduces a new and volatile element into the complex politics of the Horn of Africa. While Somaliland has enjoyed relative stability compared to Somalia, which continues to grapple with attacks by the militant group Al-Shabaab, its quest for international legitimacy has now found a powerful, if controversial, patron.
Residents in Hargeisa acknowledged the regional friction. Jama Suleyman remarked, "For the people of Somalia, our neighbours should not be concerned about this victory; we know they are making noises, but there is nothing that will make Somaliland stop from aiming high."
The move by Israel, which framed the decision as a bilateral diplomatic step, is likely to recalibrate alliances and tensions in a region already sensitive to external influence and internal fragmentation.
