Somalia rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as independent state

Somalia’s federal government has formally rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent country, calling the move a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The statement was issued on Friday after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced earlier in the day that Israel had officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

In its press release, the Federal Republic of Somalia said it “categorically and unequivocally” rejects what it described as an unlawful attempt to recognize its northern region as a separate state.

Somali authorities said Somaliland remains an “integral, inseparable, and inalienable” part of Somalia, and warned that any declaration or recognition seeking to alter the country’s unity is null and without legal effect under international law.

The statement also reaffirmed Somalia’s support for the Palestinian people and rejected occupation, forced displacement, and settlement expansion.

Israel’s announcement followed the signing of a joint declaration by Prime Minister Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, and the president of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.

Israeli officials said the declaration was made in the spirit of the Abraham Accords, which were signed at the initiative of President Donald Trump.

Israel is the first country to officially recognize Somaliland as an independent state. No other country has formally recognized the self-declared republic since it broke away from Somalia in 1991.