Somalia denounces Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, calling it an attack on sovereignty, with the African Union also rejecting the move.
MOGADISHU: Somalia has denounced Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
The Somali foreign ministry warned the decision was a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.
The African Union also “firmly rejects” Israel’s move, stating it risks setting a dangerous precedent for continental stability.
AU chair Mahamoud Ali Youssouf affirmed that Somaliland “remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced the official recognition, making Israel the first country to grant it.
The declaration was made “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” according to Netanyahu’s office.
Netanyahu has invited Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to visit Israel.
In response, Abdullahi hailed the decision on social media as the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.
He affirmed “Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords”.
Crowds in Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, took to the streets celebrating with the breakaway region’s flag.
Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, condemned what it called Israel’s “overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs”.
Egypt said its top diplomat coordinated with Turkish, Somali and Djiboutian counterparts to condemn the move.
They emphasised “full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia”.
In a video call, Netanyahu told Abdullahi he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.
Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and has its own currency, passports and army but remains internationally isolated.
Analysts suggest strategic interests in the Red Sea region drove Israel’s recognition.
The Institute for National Security Studies noted Israel requires allies there, possibly for campaigns against Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
Somaliland’s lack of recognition has hampered its access to foreign loans, aid and investment.
A recent deal for Ethiopia to lease Somaliland coastline for a port further angered the Somali government.
Israel has been working to bolster relations with countries in Africa and the Middle East.
