Israel's recognition of Somaliland draws international condemnation
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, declared independence more than three decades ago following the collapse of Somalia’s central government but has not previously received formal international recognition
Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state," becoming the first country to do so since the self-declared republic broke away from Somalia in 1991, a move that has prompted widespread criticism from governments and international organizations.
Somaliland, located in the Horn of Africa, declared independence more than three decades ago following the collapse of Somalia's central government but has not previously received formal international recognition, says Al Jazeera.
Regional and international bodies including the African Union (AU), the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) condemned Israel's decision. The AU said Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia and warned the move sets a "dangerous precedent" for stability on the African continent. The Arab League and the GCC said the recognition violated international law and infringed on Somalia's sovereignty.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
Somalia's federal government described the decision as a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty and an act of "aggression," calling on Israel to reverse the recognition and warning it could undermine regional peace.
Major global powers also rejected the move. US President Donald Trump said Washington does not plan to recognize Somaliland, questioning the region's identity. The European Union reiterated its respect for Somalia's territorial integrity and urged dialogue between Somalia's federal authorities and Somaliland.
Several countries, including China, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Iran and Nigeria, issued separate statements condemning Israel's recognition.
The OIC and other organizations also raised concerns over reports suggesting the recognition could be linked to plans involving the forcible transfer of Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland. These bodies said they categorically reject any attempt to associate Somaliland's status with what they described as ethnic cleansing of Palestinian land.
In Somaliland, President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi welcomed Israel's move, calling it a "historic moment" and the beginning of a "strategic partnership." Meanwhile, the Islamist militant group al-Shabab said it would fight any attempt by Israel to use or claim parts of the region.
Israel has not publicly responded to the criticism from international bodies and governments.
