Amanze Chinonye
Israel’s decision to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state has provoked strong backlash from Somalia, regional powers and international organisations, with critics warning that the move undermines international law and risks destabilising the Horn of Africa.
A broad coalition of Arab, African and other states, alongside key multilateral bodies, has condemned the recognition, describing it as a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and global security.
The backlash intensified ahead of an Arab League meeting on Sunday, where several countries warned that altering the status of a breakaway region violates the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in international law.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelIn a joint declaration, more than 20 countries predominantly from the Middle East and Africa together with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), rejected Israel’s move as an “unprecedented measure” with far-reaching consequences. The statement cautioned that recognising part of a sovereign state could fuel instability across the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea corridor and beyond.
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The declaration was endorsed by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, the Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Türkiye and Yemen. The signatories reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and internationally recognised borders.
In Mogadishu, Somalia’s parliament responded swiftly, unanimously passing a resolution rejecting Israel’s recognition and declaring it “null and void.” Lawmakers insisted the decision carries no legal standing under international law and pledged to pursue diplomatic and political avenues to defend the country’s territorial integrity.
Addressing an extraordinary joint session of the federal parliament, President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud delivered a scathing rebuke of Israel’s action, describing it as the most serious violation of Somalia’s sovereignty in recent history. He said the decision by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amounted to a direct assault on Somalia’s statehood and unity.
“Somalia is one nation with a long and continuous history,” Mohamud told lawmakers. “The northern regions, known as Somaliland, are an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” He warned that the move could inflame tensions in an already fragile region and create openings for extremist groups, potentially reversing hard-won gains against terrorism.
Israel announced on Friday that it had established formal diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite maintaining its own administration, security forces and institutions for more than three decades, Somaliland had remained unrecognised by the international community until Israel’s announcement.
The controversy has also revived scrutiny of earlier reports that Israeli and US officials had explored the possibility of Somaliland participating in proposals to resettle Palestinians from Gaza, an idea linked to a plan previously floated by US President Donald Trump but later abandoned by Washington.
Countries backing Somalia rejected any such linkage outright, stressing that plans to displace Palestinians are unacceptable “in both form and substance.”
International reactions continued to mount. The European Union reiterated its support for Somalia’s unity and urged dialogue between Mogadishu and Somaliland to address long-standing political disputes. The United States also reaffirmed its recognition of Somalia’s territorial integrity, explicitly stating that Somaliland remains part of Somalia.
Somalia’s government has accused Israel of interfering in its internal affairs, describing the recognition as a deliberate provocation. The development has also drawn threats from the al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al Shabab, which vowed to resist any Israeli presence or involvement in Somaliland.
Analysts note that Somaliland’s strategic location along the Gulf of Aden near vital Red Sea shipping lanes and opposite Yemen adds a geopolitical layer to the dispute. Djibouti, just next door, already hosts military bases belonging to several global powers, raising concerns that new alignments could intensify rivalries in the region.
As diplomatic pressure builds, Somalia has stepped up consultations with political leaders at home and allies abroad, signalling it will continue to challenge Israel’s recognition of Somaliland through international forums while seeking to preserve stability in the Horn of Africa.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
