Israel’s decision to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state has drawn strong condemnation from governments and regional bodies across Africa and the Middle East, with critics warning that the move undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and international law.

According to Reuters, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition on 26 December, making Israel the first country to officially acknowledge Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 but has never been internationally recognised. The announcement followed a joint declaration signed with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, outlining plans for diplomatic relations and cooperation in areas including agriculture, health and technology.

Somalia’s federal government swiftly rejected the decision, calling it illegal and “null and void”. In a statement cited by Reuters, the Prime Minister’s Office said Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia under international law and warned that Israel’s action threatens regional stability.

The African Union (AU) also condemned the recognition, reaffirming its long-standing position in support of Somalia’s territorial integrity. According to Agence France-Presse, the AU warned that recognising breakaway regions sets a dangerous precedent that could fuel instability across the continent.

Arab and Muslim countries joined the criticism. Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Qatar described the move as a violation of international law and an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs, according to the Saudi Gazette. The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council echoed similar concerns, warning that unilateral recognitions could undermine peace efforts in the Horn of Africa, The New Arab reported.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing dozens of Muslim-majority states, issued a collective statement condemning Israel’s action and urging respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, according to Al Jazeera.

Somaliland, which has maintained its own government, elections and security forces for more than three decades, welcomed the recognition. Celebrations were reported in the capital, Hargeisa, with leaders describing Israel’s move as a diplomatic breakthrough, Reuters said.

However, major global powers have not followed Israel’s lead. The United States reaffirmed its recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity, with the State Department urging dialogue rather than unilateral actions, according to Reuters and the Washington Post.

As diplomatic fallout continues, observers say the recognition has reopened long-standing debates about statehood, sovereignty and stability in the Horn of Africa, while Somalia has vowed to pursue diplomatic and legal responses to challenge the decision.