Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state has provoked sharp international criticism, with Somalia, the United States, the European Union, and multiple African and Middle Eastern countries condemning the move as a violation of international norms. Somali officials have vowed to pursue all diplomatic and legal measures to challenge what they call an “illegal and deliberate” attempt to legitimise secession.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud strongly criticised Israel, asserting that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia. Officials in Mogadishu emphasized that Israel’s recognition undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, promising to take all possible steps, both at the United Nations and through other international legal channels, to contest the decision.
On Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations. In a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu praised his leadership and invited him to visit Israel, referencing the “spirit of the Abraham Accords” – the US-brokered deals that previously normalised Israel’s relations with several Arab states.
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The international community responded swiftly. The United States reiterated its recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity, explicitly including Somaliland within Somalia’s borders. The European Union issued a strong statement stressing that Somalia’s sovereignty and unity are essential for peace and stability in the Horn of Africa. EU Foreign Affairs spokesman Anouar El Anouni urged meaningful dialogue between Somaliland and the Somali government to resolve long-standing disputes.
African and Middle Eastern nations also condemned the recognition, warning that no country can unilaterally alter Somalia’s borders. Analysts and human rights groups have speculated that Israel’s move may be aimed at diverting international attention from its actions in Gaza, especially after over 28 nations recognised Palestine as an independent state during a recent UN summit, highlighting growing international tensions between Israel and much of the global community.
The diplomatic fallout is expected to complicate Israel’s relations with key allies in Africa and the Middle East, raising concerns over regional stability and the precedent such recognition may set for other secessionist movements worldwide.
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