Overview
- Israel became the first UN member to formally recognize Somalilandia, signing a joint declaration that pledges immediate cooperation in agriculture, health, technology and the economy.
- Somalilandia welcomed the move, said it will seek entry into the Abraham Accords, and declared its intent to establish full diplomatic relations with Israel, including embassies.
- Somalia denounced the step as illegal and an assault on its sovereignty, with President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and allied governments asserting that Somalilandia remains part of Somalia.
- A wide array of states and organizations—including Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Qatar, the Arab League, the African Union, the EU and IGAD—reaffirmed support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, as the Arab League convened an emergency meeting.
- The UN Security Council is set to meet Monday on the issue, while analysts highlight Somalilandia’s location near the Gulf of Aden and Bab el Mandeb as a key factor; separate media claims about relocating Palestinians to Somalilandia remain disputed.