Somali President Says Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland Threatens Regional Stability
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that Israel’s move to recognize the breakaway Somaliland represents a direct challenge to the security and stability of the region and the wider world, according to AFP.
On Friday, Israel has formally recognized Somaliland as a sovereign state, marking the first nation to sign a joint declaration with Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
During an emergency parliamentary session, Somali President described Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “tantamount to a blunt aggression against the sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, and the unity of the people of the Somali Republic.”
Somaliland became part of the Somali Republic in 1960, but then broke away in 1991, declaring independence and establishing a de facto state.
Despite having informal diplomatic ties with multiple nations, Somaliland’s sovereignty had never been recognized by any permanent UN member state until Friday, December 26.
Netanyahu described the recognition as a significant step towards “expanding our partnership. We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, and the fields of social development.”
Moreover, he invited Abdullahi to formally visit Israel and he accepted.
“I will be glad to be in Jerusalem as soon as possible,” the Somaliland president told Netanyahu.
The Israeli PM also promised Abdullahi to convey his desire to join the Abraham Accords to the US President Donald Trump.
The announcement drew strong condemnations and sparked several concerns regionally and internationally.
Somalia’s government, backed by the African Union, has reacted angrily after the recognition, while Mogadishu labeled it as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty.
Egypt, Turkey, the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council and the Saudi-based Organization of Islamic Cooperation all denounced the move.
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