World rallies behind Somalia to condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

Several countries and international organisations have rallied behind Somalia, stressing the need to respect its national sovereignty, following Israel's recognition of Somaliland region as an independent state.

Israel announced on Friday that it was recognising Somaliland as an independent state, the first UN member to do so since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991.

Somaliland has never received international recognition. While it operates as a de facto self-governing entity, Somalia considers it an integral part of its territory and views any direct engagement with Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and national unity.

Experts say Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s announcement signals plans to “expand” ties immediately, suggesting strategic interests in Somaliland’s ports and resources, potential relocation of Palestinians, and other political objectives.

‘Attack on sovereignty’

In response, the Somali government rejected the move, calling it “a deliberate attack on its sovereignty” and reaffirming that Somaliland is “an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”

Somalia also reiterated its “principled and unwavering support for the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to self-determination”. It condemned Israeli occupation, forced displacement of Palestinians, expansion of Israeli settlements, and stressed that it will never allow Palestinians to be made stateless.

The Somali government further emphasised that it will not permit the establishment of any foreign military bases or arrangements on its territory that could draw the country into proxy conflicts or regional hostilities.

Türkiye, a long-standing partner in Somalia’s reconstruction and development, was among the first to respond. Ankara issued an official statement condemning the move and reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity..

The League of Arab States, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Yemen, among others, also expressed strong support for Somalia.

Violation of law

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry condemned the mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland, calling it a violation of international law.

Egypt said the foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Türkiye and Djibouti had jointly criticised Israel’s decision, affirming their “total rejection and condemnation” and reaffirming full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity.

Palestine’s ministry of foreign affairs warned against any forced deportation of Palestinians to Somaliland and expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, calling Israel’s recognition of Somaliland illegitimate.

Within Africa, regional and continental bodies also moved quickly. The African Union released an early statement in which the chairperson of the AU Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, reaffirmed the Union’s unwavering support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The chairperson emphasised that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” and that any attempt to recognize it as an independent entity directly contradicts the foundational principles of the African Union.

The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), an eastern Africa regional bloc, also reacted, reaffirming Somalia’s standing within the group.

“The Secretariat reaffirms that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD Member State whose unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully recognised under international law,” IGAD said.

Emergency meeting

Meanwhile, the Somali government convened an emergency meeting and issued a statement through the Office of the Prime Minister, reiterating its commitment to defending the country’s territorial integrity and national unity.

Political actors within Somalia also voiced support. Opposition figures, including former President Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed “Farmaajo,” issued statements backing the government’s position. The Somali Salvation Movement likewise expressed solidarity with the government and called for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The US, European Union, and African Union continue to uphold Somalia’s territorial integrity. The AU’s long-standing principle of preserving borders inherited at independence has made member states wary of recognising breakaway regions, amid concerns about setting precedents for separatism elsewhere on the continent. No other UN member has followed Israel’s lead.