Israel's recognition of Somaliland statehood prompts celebrations in Horn of Africa region

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu for his attempts to divide the Horn of Africa nation

AFP
by Mustafa HAJI ABDINUR in Mogadiscio with Joris FIORITI in Nairobi
Published Dec 28, 2025
3 minute read
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Men waving Somaliland flags
Residents wave Somaliland flags as they gather to celebrate Israel's announcement recognising Somaliland's statehood in downtown Hargeisa, on Dec. 26, 2025. Photo by FARHAN ALELI /AFP via Getty Images

People gathered in several towns in the breakaway region of Somaliland on Sunday to celebrate its recognition by Israel — a decision condemned by the Somali president as a “threat” to stability in the Horn of Africa.

Israel announced on Friday it was officially recognizing Somaliland, a first for the self-proclaimed republic that in 1991 declared it had unilaterally separated from Somalia.