Overview
- Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland on 26 December and agreed to establish diplomatic relations, a step welcomed by Somaliland’s leadership.
- Somalia denounced the move as a breach of sovereignty, its parliament declared it “null and void,” and Mogadishu pushed for today’s UN Security Council meeting as it prepares to assume the Council presidency.
- A joint statement by 21 predominantly Muslim countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation rejected Israel’s decision as a grave violation of international law.
- Regional and global actors — including the African Union, IGAD, Arab League, EU, China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and South Africa — warned the decision risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa.
- Analysts link Israel’s move to Somaliland’s Gulf of Aden location for potential surveillance and logistics, while the United States has not followed suit and Taiwan publicly welcomed Israel’s recognition.