Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state has drawn sharp reactions from the international community, with Somalia condemning the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway northern region, following the signing of a joint declaration between the two sides.

Somaliland welcomed the decision, calling it “a milestone in Somaliland's long pursuit of international legitimacy” that reaffirms its “historical, legal and moral entitlement to statehood”, according to a statement signed by President Abdirahman Abdillahi.

However, Somalia, the African Union and the Arab League have said Israel’s action undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.

In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that it “will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on its territory that would draw Somalia into proxy conflicts.”

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also expressed concern, calling for respect for the principle of the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed in the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Israel’s closest ally, the United States, said it is not prepared to recognise Somaliland’s statehood, as President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are due to meet on Monday.

Somaliland, which has a population of about six million, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since been governed as a republic with democratically elected administrations.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state has drawn sharp reactions from the international community, with Somalia condemning the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday announced Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland, Somalia’s breakaway northern region, following the signing of a joint declaration between the two sides.

Somaliland welcomed the decision, calling it “a milestone in Somaliland's long pursuit of international legitimacy” that reaffirms its “historical, legal and moral entitlement to statehood”, according to a statement signed by President Abdirahman Abdillahi.

However, Somalia, the African Union and the Arab League have said Israel’s action undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for regional peace and stability.

In a statement, Somalia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that it “will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on its territory that would draw Somalia into proxy conflicts.”

African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf also expressed concern, calling for respect for the principle of the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, as affirmed in the 1964 decision of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU).

Israel’s closest ally, the United States, said it is not prepared to recognise Somaliland’s statehood, as President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu are due to meet on Monday.

Somaliland, which has a population of about six million, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has since been governed as a republic with democratically elected administrations.