NAIROBI/JERUSALEM – Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland as an independent state has triggered a wave of condemnation from major international and regional bodies, with critics denouncing the move as a violation of international law and a dangerous precedent for African sovereignty.
Unified Rejection from International Bodies
In coordinated responses, the African Union (AU), Arab League, Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) forcefully rejected Israel’s Friday announcement. The AU’s Commission Chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, stated the institution “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity,” affirming it as part of Somalia.
“Any attempt to impose unilateral recognitions constitutes an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability,” warned Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The GCC echoed this, calling the recognition a “grave violation” of international law. The European Union, while not joining the condemnations, reiterated its respect for Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for dialogue.
Broad Diplomatic Backlash and Regional Implications
The diplomatic backlash extended to a coalition of nations including Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Nigeria, and Pakistan, which issued a joint OIC statement. The group rejected the recognition and any potential link to reported plans for the “forcible expulsion” of Palestinians from Gaza to Africa.
Somalia denounced the act as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty and demanded an immediate reversal. In contrast, Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi hailed it as a “historic moment.” The militant group al-Shabab also entered the fray, pledging to fight any Israeli attempt to “use parts of Somaliland.” Notably, former U.S. President Donald Trump, when asked if Washington would follow suit, simply replied, “no.”
A Contentious Breakaway Region
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has functioned with relative stability, though no UN member state had previously recognized it. Israel’s move, a first for any country, shatters that diplomatic norm and places the decades-old issue of Somaliland’s status back at the center of Horn of Africa geopolitics, with profound implications for regional security.
