Why Israel Recognized Somaliland and What This Could Mean 0 15

Egypt, Somalia, Djibouti, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) condemned Israel's recognition of the independence of the Somaliland region.

According to a written statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry held phone talks today with Somali Foreign Minister Abdisalam Abdi Ali, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, and Djiboutian Foreign Minister Abulkadir Hussein Omar.

The statement noted that during the talks, it was emphasized that Israel's decision to recognize the independence of the Somaliland region is completely rejected and condemned, and full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia was highlighted.

It was noted that any unilateral actions that violate Somalia's sovereignty or undermine stability in the country are rejected, and that legitimate institutions of the Somali state are supported while attempts to impose parallel structures that contradict the unity of the Somali state are rejected.

The parties noted that the recognition of the independence of certain parts of the state's territory creates a dangerous precedent and poses a threat to international peace and security, established principles of international law, and the United Nations Charter.

Respect for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of states is the foundation of the stability of the international order and cannot be put at risk or ignored under any pretext, and attempts to impose a new reality that contradicts international legality and undermines the possibilities for ensuring security, stability, and development, or to create parallel structures are rejected.

On the other hand, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi expressed sharp condemnation and rejection of Israel's decision to recognize the independence of the Somaliland region in his statement.

Al-Budaiwi emphasized that Israel's actions are a serious violation of the principles of international law and a blatant encroachment on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The Secretary-General noted that this recognition creates a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and lead to increased tensions and conflicts, which contradict regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security in the region.

Al-Budaiwi stated that GCC countries support the Mogadishu government in all matters related to ensuring security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia.

The Secretary-General called on the international community to reject Israel's actions aimed at undermining its international legitimacy and imposing political realities that contradict international consensus and UN resolutions. He noted that states should not recognize any entities or actions that could destabilize their security or harm their national unity.

On December 26, Israel announced the recognition of Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its separation from Somalia, as an "independent state."

Turkey condemned Israel's decision to "recognize the independence" of the Somaliland region.

Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar stated:

"I was pleased to just speak with the President of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, on this important day for our countries.

Over the past year, relations between Israel and Somaliland have developed based on extensive and ongoing dialogue. In accordance with the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President of Somaliland Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, today we signed an agreement on mutual recognition and the establishment of full diplomatic relations, which will include the appointment of ambassadors and the opening of embassies.

We will work together to strengthen relations between our countries and peoples, regional stability, and economic prosperity. I have instructed my ministry to take immediate steps to establish formal bilateral ties across a wide range of areas."

Somaliland, officially known as the Republic of Somaliland, is a partially recognized state in the northern part of the Horn of Africa on the territory of the former British Somaliland colony. The international community, with the exception of Israel, recognizes the territory of Somaliland as part of the Federal Republic of Somalia. The capital and largest city of the country is Hargeisa. The government of Somaliland considers its state to be the successor to British Somaliland, which briefly existed as the independent state of Somaliland, and in 1960 united with the Trust Territory of Somalia (formerly Italian Somaliland) to form a single state. The population is over 4 million people.