Israel’s recognition of Somaliland triggers widespread condemnations

TEHRAN (Iran News) Reactions poured in after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Israel and Somaliland had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations, describing it as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” a set of agreements brokered by the United States in 2020 to establish formal ties between the regime and Arab states.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, but it has failed to gain recognition from any United Nations member state.

The Somali government strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, calling it an “attack” on its sovereignty and an “unlawful action,” and stressing that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the country. Somalia also called for an emergency meeting of the Arab League to oppose the move.

Condemnations also came from regional organizations and other countries, as follows:

Arab League

Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit described the Israeli move as provocative and unacceptable, warning of its potential repercussions for regional security, particularly amid the complex situation in the Horn of Africa.

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The OIC strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and national unity.

Persian Gulf Cooperation Council

Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said Israel’s decision to recognize a separatist region constitutes a dangerous violation of international law and contradicts the principles of national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

African Union (AU)

African Union Commission Chairperson Mohamed Ali Youssouf said the AU does not accept any recognition of Somaliland, emphasizing continued commitment to Somalia’s unity and sovereignty.

Saudi Arabia

The Saudi Foreign Ministry reaffirmed the kingdom’s full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, describing the mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland as a unilateral act and a violation of international law.

Iraq

Iraq’s Foreign Ministry described Israel’s move as a blatant assault on state sovereignty and a clear violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.

Jordan

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry reiterated full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, calling Israel’s recognition of Somaliland a clear breach of international law and the UN Charter.

Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti

The foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti, in separate phone calls, reaffirmed their support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, rejected any unilateral actions, and stressed support for Somalia’s legitimate state institutions.