Arab Nations Slam Israeli Recognition of Somaliland
Saudi Arabia characterized Israel's action as entrenching separatist policies that contradict established legal norms. The Saudi Foreign Ministry declared the kingdom's unwavering backing for Somalia's territorial unity in an official statement.
Riyadh further opposed efforts to establish alternative governing structures that threaten Somalia's stability, expressing support for the nation's recognized state apparatus.
Palestine similarly repudiated Israel's recognition of Somaliland, framing it as a danger to Arab and regional stability.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it fully supports Somalia's unity, sovereignty and political independence in line with international law, Arab and international consensus, and decisions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The ministry warned that recognizing Somaliland or taking steps that legitimize secession undermines Somalia's stability and sovereignty and said the move fits "Israel's broader efforts to destabilize regional and international peace." Officials noted Israel has previously suggested Somaliland as a potential relocation site for Palestinians, especially those from Gaza.
Egypt revealed coordination with regional allies to counter the diplomatic shift. Egypt's Foreign Ministry disclosed that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls with his counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye and Djibouti to discuss the "dangerous developments" in the Horn of Africa linked to Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
The ministers agreed on a "complete rejection and condemnation" of the recognition and stressed full support for Somalia's unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement said.
They also rejected any unilateral measures that could undermine Somalia's stability, warned against setting a dangerous precedent by recognizing independence of parts of sovereign states, and emphasized respect for the UN Charter and international law.
Kuwait likewise dismissed the recognition as unlawful. The Foreign Ministry reinforced Kuwait's complete backing of Somalia's authority over its entire territory and legitimate governmental bodies.
Iraq blasted Israel's decision as a flagrant violation of state sovereignty and global legal standards. As current chair of the Arab League, Baghdad warned the recognition threatens Horn of Africa stability and called on the international community to reject such practices.
Jordan similarly opposed imposing alternative entities that endanger Somalia's unity. Amman affirmed support for Somalia's legitimate institutions while opposing destabilizing measures, according to a state news agency.
Qatar issued strong opposition, labeling the recognition a dangerous precedent and unilateral action violating international law that infringes on Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry rejected attempts to establish parallel entities undermining Somalia's unity, reaffirming support for the country's legitimate institutions and security.
The ministry added that Israel should instead recognize the State of Palestine and work to end the war in the Gaza Strip, accusing Israel of undermining international legitimacy and fueling regional instability.
Israel became the world's first nation Friday to grant official recognition to Somaliland as a sovereign state.
Somaliland, unrecognized internationally since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, functions as a self-governing entity with its own administrative, political, and security systems, though Somalia's central government cannot exert control over the territory and Somaliland has failed to secure global recognition.
Somalia's government rejects Somaliland's independence claims, considers the region an inseparable part of its territory, and views direct engagement with Somaliland as violations of Somalia's sovereignty and unity.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
