Somali President Calls Israels Recognition of Somaliland Unexpected and Unusual

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has stated that his country believes a recent recognition by Israel of Somaliland’s independence may be linked to plans to forcibly displace Palestinians from Gaza. In an exclusive interview with Al Jazeera, Mohamud described the move as “unexpected and strange” given Somaliland’s long-standing claim for secession. The Somali leader noted that no country had previously recognized Somaliland’s status.

Mohamud revealed that according to Somali intelligence, Somaliland has accepted three conditions from Israel in exchange for recognition: the resettlement of Palestinians, establishment of an Israeli military base on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, and participation in the Abraham Accords. The accords establish normalisation of ties between Israel and several Arab states.

Mohamud also stated that Somalia has intelligence indicating a level of Israeli presence in Somaliland prior to recognition. He warned that Israel’s actions are not aimed at promoting peace but rather at displacing Palestinians from Gaza. The Somali leader noted that the US administration had previously proposed a 20-point plan for a ceasefire, which included provisions for Palestinian resettlement and freedom of movement.

Mohamud also highlighted concerns about Israel’s efforts to control strategic waterways in the region, including the Red Sea, Gulf, and Gulf of Aden. He warned that recognition of Somaliland could destabilise the Horn of Africa. The Somali leader gave a joint news conference with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressing concerns about the implications of Israel’s move.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland was swiftly condemned by most UN Security Council members at an emergency meeting in New York on Monday. The United States defended Israel’s position, but noted that its stance on Somaliland remained unchanged.

Source: Al Jazeera