Source The Hindu
Jerusalem/Hargeisa: In a landmark diplomatic move, Israel has become the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state, marking a significant moment for the self-declared republic that has sought international recognition for over three decades.
The announcement was made following high-level discussions between Israeli officials and representatives of Somaliland, the breakaway region in the Horn of Africa that declared independence from Somalia in 1991. While Somaliland has maintained its own government, currency, security forces and democratic institutions, it has so far remained unrecognised by the international community.
Israeli leaders described the decision as a step towards strengthening ties with stable and democratic partners in strategically important regions. Officials highlighted Somaliland’s relative peace, regular elections and effective governance in contrast to prolonged instability in much of Somalia.
In Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital, the recognition was welcomed as a historic breakthrough. Somaliland President said the move validates the region’s long-standing quest for sovereignty and could pave the way for broader international engagement, foreign investment and formal diplomatic relations with other nations.
The decision is likely to draw mixed reactions globally. Somalia has consistently opposed any recognition of Somaliland, insisting on the country’s territorial integrity. Regional actors and the African Union have traditionally been cautious, fearing that recognition could encourage separatist movements elsewhere on the continent.
Analysts say Israel’s move could trigger renewed debate within international forums about Somaliland’s status, though immediate widespread recognition remains uncertain. For now, Israel’s announcement stands as the first formal acknowledgment of Somaliland’s claim to statehood, potentially reshaping diplomatic dynamics in the Horn of Africa.
