TORONTO, Canada (hornpost.com) Israel’s Consul General in Toronto, Idit Shamir, has defended Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as the formal acknowledgment of a political reality that has existed for decades.
Shamir made the remarks while addressing members of the Somaliland community in Toronto at an event celebrating Israel’s recognition of Somaliland on Dec. 26, 2025.
She praised Somaliland’s record of self-governance, democratic elections and peaceful transfers of power. She also argued that its history supports its claim to statehood.
“There are moments in history when something that has long existed is finally acknowledged. When reality, patience and persistence are at last called by its proper name,” Shamir said.
“December 26, 2025, was such a moment. On that day, Israel recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state — not to create something new, but to acknowledge something real.”
Shamir Highlights Somaliland’s History and Self-Governance
The Israeli diplomat pointed to Somaliland’s independence from Britain in June 1960. She said 35 countries, including Israel, recognised Somaliland at that time.
“In June 1960, Somaliland gained independence from Britain. Thirty-five countries recognized it, including Israel. In 1991, Somaliland reclaimed its independence as an existential necessity. Since then, you have built something rare — a democracy that works,” she said.
Shamir also highlighted Somaliland’s more than three decades of self-government.
“For 35 years, Somaliland has governed itself, held elections, peaceful transfers of power, institutions that function. For 35 years, this reality was ignored. Israel chose to say what was already true,” she said.
She cited Somaliland’s November 2024 presidential election as an example of its democratic record.
“In November 2024, elections confirmed it once again. Power changed hands peacefully. The results were accepted. The system held in a region where elections often trigger violence,” Shamir said.
Diplomatic Recognition and International Law
Shamir linked Israel’s decision to what she described as shared historical and political experiences between Israel and Somaliland.
“Israel recognizes this because we recognize ourselves in it. We too emerged from the end of a British mandate. We too built democracy under constant threat. We learned that legitimacy is not granted by applause abroad but earned at home,” she said.
She also referred to an African Union fact-finding mission that examined Somaliland’s status.
“The African Union fact-finding mission called Somaliland’s claim historically unique and self-justified. That was 20 years ago. The facts have only grown stronger,” Shamir said.
Rejecting arguments that Somaliland’s independence claim amounts to unlawful secession, she added:
“You are not claiming another land. You are asserting sovereignty over territory that was already yours. International law accommodates this reality. History confirms it. Democracy proves it. Recognition is just an acknowledgment.”
Her comments reflect Israel’s position on Somaliland’s statehood. However, Somalia and several regional and international organisations continue to reject Israel’s recognition and reaffirm Somalia’s territorial integrity.
Israel and Somaliland Plan Wider Cooperation
Looking ahead, Shamir outlined several areas where Israel and Somaliland could expand cooperation.
“What comes next matters. Embassies will open. Agreements will be signed. Partnerships will deepen. We will partner on water, agriculture, medicine and security for the prosperity of both nations,” she said.
She also highlighted humanitarian cooperation, including medical treatment for children from Somaliland.
“Forty-nine Somaliland children have already received life-saving cardiac surgery in Israel. That is what partnership looks like,” Shamir said.
The areas she identified include water management, agriculture, health care and security.
Shamir Describes Recognition as an Honor
The Israeli diplomat stressed that her country did not view recognition as a gift to Somaliland.
“Make no mistake — the recognition was not a gift from Israel to Somaliland. It was an honor for Israel to be the first to step forward, the first to say what could have been said long ago, the first to act when others merely debated,” she said.
She also praised Somalilanders for building their institutions without waiting for international recognition.
“You did not wait for recognition to become a nation. Somaliland had a vision. That vision kept you alive, made you strong, and now it is beginning to earn the recognition you deserve,” Shamir said.
Israel Says It Will Not Be the Last
In her closing remarks, Shamir expressed confidence that other countries would eventually recognise Somaliland.
“Israel was honored to be the first, but we will not be the last. The tide is turning. Until then, we stand with you, we celebrate with you, we build with you,” she said.
She ended her speech with a message of support for Somaliland and its people.
“May your independence be recognized by all who value democracy. May your partnership with Israel be the first of many. And may the friendship between our nations endure for generations to come. Congratulations, Somaliland. The world begins to see what you have always known.”
HornPost Staff Reporter
Email: info@hornpost.com
Website: https://hornpost.com
