Somalia urges Israel to withdraw recognition of Somaliland entity

Somalia Demands Israel Reverse Recognition of Somaliland

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, Ali Omar, stated that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from Gaza. The move has sparked condemnation from the Somali government, which views it as a “state aggression” and an act of interference in its internal affairs.

Somalia has urged Israel to reverse its decision, describing it as an unacceptable act that will not be tolerated. The country’s prime minister’s office has also issued a statement condemning the recognition as a deliberate attack on Somalia’s sovereignty and an unlawful step.

The recognition of Somaliland by Israel is seen as part of a larger regional dynamic, with Somalia’s president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi stating that the strategic importance of the Horn of Africa drives foreign interference. Omar has accused Israel of pursuing Somaliland’s recognition to further displace Palestinians from Gaza.

Palestine’s foreign ministry has backed Somalia’s stance, recalling that Israel had previously identified Somaliland as a potential destination for forcibly displacing Palestinians from Gaza. The move has sparked concerns about the implications for regional stability and international law.

In response to the recognition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has defended the move, stating it is not directed against any state and does not pose a threat to regional peace. However, US President Donald Trump has distanced himself from Netanyahu’s stance on the issue, expressing support for Somalia’s position.

Source: Al Jazeera