Somalia Demands Israel To Withdraw It’s Recognition Of Somaliland

Somalia has called on Israel to withdraw its recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as an act of “aggression that will not be tolerated.”

Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera on Saturday that the government would use all available diplomatic channels to challenge what it considers an act of “state aggression” and Israeli interference in the country’s internal affairs.

The statement followed Israel’s announcement on Friday that it had officially recognised Somaliland, making it the first country in the world to do so.

The move drew swift criticism from African and Arab nations, with concerns that it could be linked to plans to relocate Palestinians from Gaza.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after a civil war, but it has never received recognition from any UN member state.

The self-declared republic runs its own currency, flag, and parliament, though some of its eastern territories remain disputed.

Omar said, “This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people who are united in defending our territorial integrity. Our government strongly advises the State of Israel to rescind its divisive actions and abide by international law.”

Omar suggested the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa has attracted foreign interest, claiming Israel’s recognition may be linked to relocating Palestinians from Gaza.

Palestine’s foreign ministry backed Somalia, saying Israel had previously considered Somaliland as a possible destination for displaced Palestinians.

Somalia’s prime minister called Israel’s recognition a deliberate attack on the country’s sovereignty and reaffirmed that Somaliland remains part of Somalia.

Meanwhile, Somaliland’s president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as Cirro, had hinted for weeks that recognition by a foreign country was imminent.

Billboards in the capital, Hargeisa, had informed residents that an announcement was coming.

Cirro defended Israel’s decision, saying it was “not aimed against any state” and “does not threaten regional peace.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the recognition as part of the Abraham Accords and invited Cirro to visit Israel, which he accepted.

Former US President Donald Trump, however, has distanced himself from Israel on the issue, stating he will not follow Israel’s lead.

Somalia welcomed Trump’s position, with Public Works Minister Ayub Ismail Yusuf expressing gratitude on social media.

The African Union also rejected any recognition of Somaliland, warning it would set a dangerous precedent.

Similarly, the Arab League called the move a violation of international law and an infringement on Somalia’s sovereignty.

Despite the criticism, thousands in Hargeisa celebrated Israel’s recognition, with the Israeli flag displayed on the national museum.

Somalia and Israel have a history of tense relations.

During the Cold War, Israel supported Ethiopia, Somalia’s regional rival, in the 1977 Ogaden War, which contributed to decades of unrest in Somalia.

Earlier this month, Israel had discussed regional security concerns with Somalia over Houthi influence, but Omar denied any cooperation and reaffirmed Somalia’s longstanding position on Israeli policies.

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