Israel became the first country to formally recognize it Somaliland as an independent nation on Friday. The decision may change regional politics and challenge Somalia’s claim that Somaliland is part of its territory.
Somaliland lies along the southern coast of the Gulf of Aden, bordering Djibouti to the northwest, Ethiopia to the south and west, and Somalia to the east.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war. Although it has its own government, money and flag, it is not recognized by the United Nations. Somalia still considers the region an integral part of its country.
Somaliland gained independence from Britain on June 26, 1960. Somaliland ended its association with Somalia to gain independence on May 18, 1991, as reported by the Horn Observer.
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Mogadishu – Somalia’s capital – condemned the “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkey, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation criticized Israel’s decision.
Experts suggest that a partnership with Somaliland could give Israel better access to the Red Sea.
Abrahamic covenants
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel will immediately begin cooperation with Somaliland in the fields of health, agriculture, technology and economy. Netanyahu praised Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and invited him to visit Israel.
Both representatives signed a declaration of mutual recognition. President Abdullahi has confirmed that Somaliland will join the Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic agreements initially launched in 2020 by the Trump administration to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab nations. The two leaders described it as a step towards regional peace and stability.
The Somali government strongly rejected the move, calling it an “illegal move” and a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty. “Illegal aggression” that ignores diplomatic rules.
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International reaction
Several global organizations and countries expressed their opposition and supported Somali territorial unity.
Both the African Union and the European Union have rejected recognition and called for dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland to maintain peace.
The foreign ministers of Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti held emergency meetings and warned that recognizing the breakaway regions threatened international security.
The League of Arab States convened an extraordinary session
The Arab League announced on Saturday that it will hold an extraordinary meeting this Sunday in Cairo. The meeting requested by Somalia follows Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state.
At the meeting, the league plans to officially reject any unilateral actions that threaten Somalia’s unity or territory. Members will emphasize the importance of compliance with international law and previous decisions of the League of Arab States and the African Union.
The group also aims to show full support for Somalia’s official government and its institutions.
The meeting will address concerns that Israel’s move could disrupt peace and security in the entire region.
(Tagtransslate)Somaliland
