Israel's decision  on December 26, 2025 to recognize Somaliland as an independent state sent shockwaves across the Horn of Africa and beyond. Diplomatic pushback from Somalia and concern within the African Union (AU)  followed over regional stability and territorial integrity. Somaliland, a self-governing region in northern Somalia, declared independence in 1991 following the collapse of Somali ruler Siad Barre's military regime. Tens of thousands of people were killed in the late 1980s as