Israel became the first state to officially recognise Somaliland on Friday.

Qatar has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to formally recognise Somaliland, warning that the move undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and violates international law.

In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the announcement of mutual recognition between Israel and the Somaliland region sets a “dangerous precedent” and constitutes a unilateral action that threatens the unity and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland on Friday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the signing of a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations.

Netanyahu described the agreement as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” and congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Abdirahman Cirro, during a video call.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the deal followed a year of dialogue and would include the exchange of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

Somalia’s government swiftly rejected the announcement, calling it an “attack” on its sovereignty and an unlawful action, stressing that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the country.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and controls the northwestern part of the former British Protectorate, but its bid for statehood has long lacked international recognition.

Qatar reiterated its full support for Somalia’s legitimate institutions and rejected “any attempts to impose parallel entities that could destabilise the country”.

Doha also criticised Israel’s policies more broadly, saying it would be “more appropriate for Israeli authorities to recognise the State of Palestine and work toward ending the war in Gaza rather than undermining international legitimacy”.

The African Union also rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, “reaffirming the AU’s unwavering commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia”.

Regional opposition to the move has grown, with Somalia’s foreign minister holding talks with counterparts from Egypt, Türkiye and Djibouti, who reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s unity.

Egypt warned that recognising the independence of a region within a sovereign state violates the UN Charter and risks destabilising the international system. Qatar renewed its call for coordinated international efforts to preserve security and stability in the Horn of Africa.