Somalia condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, citing Gaza displacement fears

The Israel recognition of Somaliland has triggered strong opposition from Somalia, which says the move violates its sovereignty and international law. Somali officials also claim the decision is linked to Israel’s plans to displace Palestinians from Gaza, a charge that has sparked regional and international concern.

Somalia rejects Israel’s move

Somalia has demanded that Israel immediately reverse its recognition of Somaliland, calling the action a direct violation of Somalia’s territorial integrity. Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, told Al Jazeera that the government views the decision as foreign interference and an unacceptable act of aggression.

He said Somalia will use diplomatic and legal channels to oppose the recognition. According to Omar, the Somali people remain united in defending the country’s borders, which they consider non-negotiable.

Claims of Palestinian displacement

Omar accused Israel of using Somaliland recognition to advance plans aimed at relocating Palestinians from Gaza. He said Israeli officials have long discussed possible destinations for displaced Palestinians, and Somaliland appeared on that list.

Palestine’s foreign ministry supported Somalia’s position. It warned that any attempt to forcibly move Palestinians would cross a “red line” and violate international law.

Somaliland defends the recognition

Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, widely known as Cirro, defended Israel’s decision. He said the recognition does not target Somalia and does not threaten regional peace.

For weeks, Somaliland officials had hinted that international recognition was near. In Hargeisa, billboards appeared across the city promising residents an imminent diplomatic breakthrough.

Somalia reaffirms sovereignty

After Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the recognition, Somalia’s prime minister’s office issued a sharp response. The statement described the move as unlawful and reaffirmed that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia.

Netanyahu linked the decision to the spirit of the Abraham Accords. He also said he would lobby for Somaliland during talks with US President Donald Trump and invited Cirro to visit Israel.

US and international reactions

Trump distanced himself from Israel’s position, saying the United States would not follow the same path. Somalia welcomed his stance, with Public Works Minister Ayub Ismail Yusuf publicly thanking him.

The African Union rejected any attempt to recognize Somaliland. Its leadership warned that such actions threaten the long-standing principle of preserving colonial-era borders. The Arab League also condemned Israel’s move, calling it a violation of international law and state sovereignty.

Celebrations in Hargeisa

Despite opposition from Somalia and regional bodies, thousands celebrated in Hargeisa. Residents waved flags and displayed Israeli symbols at public sites, marking what many called the end of decades of diplomatic isolation.

Somalia’s strained relationship with Israel dates back to the Cold War. Israel supported Ethiopia, Somalia’s regional rival, during the 1977 Ogaden War. That conflict weakened Somalia and contributed to years of instability.

Somaliland declared independence in 1991 after suffering persecution under former leader Mohamed Siad Barre. Somalia, however, has never recognized the breakaway region.

Somalia denies ties with Israel

Earlier reports suggested limited communication between Somalia and Israel on regional security issues. Omar rejected those claims, insisting Somalia has no diplomatic relations with Israel and has not changed its position on Israeli policies

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