This week, Israel formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign, independent nation, a move the author praises as long overdue and aligned with principles championed by President Donald J. Trump. This recognition acknowledges Somaliland's 30 years of self-governance, democratic elections, and peaceful power transitions, despite lacking international recognition.

• Somaliland has met every real-world test of statehood, including a defined territory, permanent population, effective government, national currency, and national military.
• The decision by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is viewed as a "fact check" rather than a "gift," reflecting realism in foreign policy.
• The article urges other international partners, particularly the United States and other Western democracies, to follow Israel's lead and recognize Somaliland, citing its contribution to regional security and trade.

The African Union (AU) has strongly rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its unwavering support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty. This move by Israel has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about regional stability.

• On Friday, December 26, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi signed a joint declaration recognizing Somaliland's independence.
• The African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf condemned the recognition, stating it violates the AU's Constitutive Act and the 1964 Organization of African Unity decision regarding the intangibility of inherited borders.
• Somaliland, formerly a British protectorate, declared its independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somalia's central government, though it lacks formal international recognition.
• Beyond the AU, Somalia, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti, Jordan, and Iraq have also condemned Israel's decision, calling it a violation of international law.

The African Union (AU) has unequivocally rejected the recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its support for the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, following Israel's recent announcement to establish diplomatic ties with Somaliland.

• The AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf stated that recognition of Somaliland violates foundational AU principles, including the principle of respecting borders inherited at independence from 1964.
• Israel became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent nation, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland's president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi calling it a "historic moment."
• The decision by Israel has been condemned by the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, who affirmed their "total rejection" of the announcement.