Israel becomes first country to formally recognise Somaliland as independent state

In a move that made Israel the first country in the world to officially recognise Somaliland as a country, Netanyahu’s office said, “The prime minister announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.”

Meanwhile, Somalia and the African Union fumed at Israel's move. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and said Somaliland “remains an integral part” of Somalia.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has sought international recognition for decades. Notably, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi has made this a key priority since taking office last year.