By Johnathan Paoli
Israel’s decision to become the first country to formally recognise the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state has triggered an immediate diplomatic backlash across Africa, the Middle East and beyond, with the African Union (AU), Somalia and a broad coalition of states warning that the move threatens regional stability and violates international law.
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had entered into a joint declaration of mutual recognition with Somaliland, signed alongside Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Netanyahu said Israel would pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, health, technology and economic development, describing the move as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords”.
He congratulated Abdullahi on his leadership and invited him for an official visit to Israel.
Abdullahi welcomed the recognition as “historic”, saying Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords and
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
