Somalia’s Sovereignty in Focus: Global Response to Israel’s Somaliland Recognition

On December 26, 2025, Israel made global headlines by officially recognizing Somaliland as a sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The move, while unprecedented, immediately sparked strong reactions across the Arab world and among international diplomatic circles, throwing Somalia’s long-contested sovereignty into sharp relief. The story unfolding isn’t just about borders on a map—it’s about the deep tensions, alliances, and anxieties that shape the Horn of Africa.

Saudi Arabia was among the first to respond, issuing a firm statement that condemned Israel’s decision as “unilateral” and “separatist,” directly contradicting international law and threatening the fragile stability of Somalia and the region at large. The Saudi Foreign Ministry doubled down on its full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling the recognition an attempt to “impose parallel entities” that could unravel years of state-building efforts and worsen internal divisions.

Palestine, too, voiced concern, linking the recognition to broader security risks for both Arab and regional interests. In a statement, the Palestinian Foreign Ministry warned that legitimizing Somaliland’s secession undermines Somalia’s stability and sovereignty, and fits “Israel’s broader efforts to destabilize regional and international peace.” The ministry further alleged that Israel had previously floated the idea of relocating Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland—a notion laden with geopolitical implications and humanitarian questions.

Egypt’s diplomatic response was notably proactive. Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held urgent calls with his Somali, Turkish, and Djiboutian counterparts, coordinating a united front against the recognition. According to Egypt’s Foreign Ministry, the ministers agreed on “complete rejection and condemnation” of Israel’s move, emphasizing that any unilateral measure could set a dangerous precedent for recognizing independence in other contested regions. Their message was clear: respect for the UN Charter and international law must not be compromised, and Somalia’s unity is non-negotiable.

Kuwait and Iraq joined the chorus, each labeling the recognition as a blatant violation of international law and Somalia’s sovereignty. Kuwait reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s legitimate institutions, while Iraq, as the chair of the Arab League’s current session, called for a unified international response to what it described as “unlawful practices.” Jordan, meanwhile, echoed similar sentiments through its state news agency, reiterating opposition to any steps that threaten Somalia’s territorial integrity and stability.

Behind these statements lies a complex reality: Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent region since 1991, when it declared independence from Somalia. Despite functioning as a distinct administrative, political, and security entity—with its own government and institutions—Somaliland has failed to secure international recognition, and the Somali central government maintains that the region remains an integral part of the country. Any attempt to formalize Somaliland’s independence is viewed by Mogadishu as an affront to Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.

The diplomatic reverberations extend beyond the Arab world. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan reached out to his Egyptian, Saudi, and Jordanian counterparts to discuss the developments in Somalia, as well as the situation in Gaza, according to diplomatic sources cited by The Caspian Post. Fidan also spoke with Massad Boulos, the US senior advisor for Africa, indicating that Washington is closely monitoring the situation. These calls underscore the international community’s shared anxiety over the Horn of Africa’s stability and the potential ripple effects of Israel’s decision.

For Somalia, the stakes could not be higher. Its government has categorically rejected any recognition of Somaliland’s independence, insisting that the region is an inseparable part of its territory. Direct engagement with Somaliland by foreign powers is seen as undermining Somalia’s state institutions and sovereignty, potentially emboldening other secessionist movements and destabilizing a region already grappling with conflict, poverty, and humanitarian crises.

As the dust settles, one thing remains clear: Israel’s move has thrust the issue of statehood and territorial integrity in Africa’s Horn into the global spotlight. The broad diplomatic condemnation—rooted in concerns over legal precedent, regional stability, and the sanctity of internationally recognized borders—shows just how interconnected these issues have become. The coming months may well test the resilience of Somalia’s unity, the resolve of its allies, and the ability of international law to navigate the thorny terrain of self-determination versus sovereign integrity.

In the final analysis, the international backlash against Israel’s recognition of Somaliland highlights the enduring power of diplomatic consensus to shape outcomes in contested regions. While the story is still unfolding, the overwhelming support for Somalia’s sovereignty underscores the importance of multilateral engagement and respect for international norms in maintaining peace and stability.