Amanze Chinonye
The Somaliland administration has sharply rejected a joint statement issued by Qatar and 20 other Arab, Islamic and African states opposing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, accusing Doha of interference and questioning its moral authority to speak on the region’s future, Prime Business Africa reports.
In a strongly worded response issued after the December 27, 2025 statement from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Somaliland officials said Doha had “no business meddling in Somaliland’s affairs,” alleging that Qatar bankrolls Muslim Brotherhood-linked proxies in support of what it described as Mogadishu’s “failed regime.”
The Qatar-led statement, endorsed by countries including Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, Turkiye, Iran and Somalia, unequivocally rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a violation of international law and the United Nations Charter.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe signatories reaffirmed their full support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and warned that recognising breakaway regions sets a dangerous precedent for international peace and security.
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Somaliland, however, dismissed the position as hypocritical and disconnected from realities on the ground, insisting that its push for independence is rooted in the clearly expressed will of its people.
“Somalilanders have spoken clearly: we want independence,” the statement said, adding that foreign governments “parroting Mogadishu’s line” should respect Somaliland’s right to self-determination. It stressed that the region’s future would not be dictated by external actors or what it termed Qatar’s “Islamist agenda.”
The response underscores the growing diplomatic rift following Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland on December 26, a move that has reignited long-standing debates over sovereignty, self-determination and international recognition in the Horn of Africa.
While Mogadishu continues to insist that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia, Somaliland authorities maintain that they have operated as a self-governing entity for more than three decades and deserve full international recognition.
The exchange highlights rising geopolitical tensions in the region, as global and regional powers take opposing positions on Somaliland’s status, with implications for stability in the Horn of Africa and the wider Red Sea corridor.
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.
