Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland: A Test for Sovereignty, Secession and Regional Stability

with Israel, avoiding destabilisation in East Africa, and preserving its long-standing policy of supporting Somalia’s territorial unity. A US shift would significantly alter the diplomatic landscape, but for now, restraint prevails.

Somaliland’s Long Search for Legitimac y

For Somaliland, Israel’s recognition is a diplomatic breakthrough after more than three decades of seeking legitimacy. The region has cultivated informal ties with several countries, hosts foreign representative offices, and participates in international forums in limited capacities.

Supporters argue that Somaliland’s relative stability, democratic practices and governance record distinguish it from much of Somalia and merit recognition. Critics counter that stability alone cannot override international law, regional security concerns or the risk of cascading secessionist claims.

Why This Matters Beyond Somalia

At its core, the controversy goes beyond one territory. Since the end of the Cold War, the international system has been reluctant to recognise unilateral secessions except in exceptional circumstances. This restraint has been crucial in preventing widespread fragmentation.

Israel’s decision challenges that norm. If other states follow, it could embolden separatist movements globally and weaken one of the pillars of the United Nations system. That is why reactions have been sharp, even among countries not directly involved in the Horn of Africa.

Conclusion: Recognition as a Geopolitical Act

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is not merely a bilateral gesture; it is a geopolitical act with regional and global implications. Whether it remains an isolated exception or becomes the first crack in a broader shift will depend on how major powers respond.

For now, Somaliland’s status remains contested, Somalia’s unity fragile, and the Horn of Africa at another strategic crossroads. The episode reinforces a central truth of international politics: recognition is never just about one territory—it reshapes alliances, alters regional balances, and tests the rules that hold the global order together.