Somalia denounces Israel's recognition of Somaliland as illegal

The Federal Government of Somalia has issued a forceful rejection of Israel's move to recognize the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent state. In an official statement on Friday, the Office of the Prime Minister labeled the step an "unlawful" violation of Somalia's sovereignty and a direct attack on its territorial unity.

A Firm Legal and Political Rejection

The government stated its "absolute and non-negotiable commitment" to Somalia's sovereignty and unity, grounding its position in the nation's Provisional Constitution, the UN Charter, and the African Union's Constitutive Act. The declaration asserted that Somaliland is "an integral, inseparable, and inalienable part" of Somalia and that no external actor has the authority to alter its borders. It warned that any recognition of Somaliland's independence is "null, void, and without any legal or political effect under international law."

Regional Warnings and Solidarity with Palestine

The statement cautioned that Israel's action risks "undermining regional peace and stability" in the volatile Horn of Africa and Red Sea region, potentially exacerbating tensions and creating conditions that terrorist groups could exploit. It also warned against the establishment of foreign military bases that might draw Somalia into proxy conflicts. In a pointed linkage, Somalia reaffirmed its support for Palestinian rights, stating it "firmly rejects occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and settlement expansion," and will "never accept making the Palestinian people stateless."

Commitment to Defensive Measures and Call for Unity

Somalia affirmed it would pursue "all necessary diplomatic, political, and legal measures" to defend its internationally recognized borders. It called on the international community to "act responsibly" by respecting international law and the principle of non-interference, while urging Somali citizens to remain "united, vigilant, and resolute" in defending national sovereignty. This firm stance follows Türkiye's earlier condemnation of the same Israeli move, highlighting a coordinated position between the two allied nations in upholding the inviolability of sovereign borders and rejecting unilateral actions that threaten regional stability.