We possess all the attributes of a sovereign state,” Somaliland's FM Abdirahman said to i24NEWS. “We have our own currency, passport, national anthem, and armed forces."

Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state has triggered a sharp diplomatic backlash, turning the move into a geopolitical flashpoint across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East.

Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state and announced plans to establish diplomatic ties. This is the first official recognition of Somaliland by any country. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the decision, saying Israel had officially recognised the Republic of Somaliland.

Somalia’s Foreign Ministry described Israel’s move as a deliberate attack on its sovereignty, warning it could destabilise the region, while several nations echoed the criticism. The African Union said it firmly rejects the recognition, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for peace and stability across Africa.

The UN Security Council announced it would meet on Monday to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, a move that has been condemned by 21 Muslim countries and the European Union as having “serious repercussions” on security in the region.

A growing number of countries are rejecting Israel's recognition of Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent nation, the first by any country in more than 30 years. A joint statement by more than 20 mostly Middle Eastern or African countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on Saturday rejected Israel's recognition “given the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure on peace and security in the Horn of Africa,

Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas says 'State of Palestine' supports Somalia's territorial integrity, opposes Israel's recently-signed agreement with Somaliland.