Somaliland denies agreement on hosting Israeli military bases or resettling Palestinians

Somaliland Denies Allegations Over Israeli Recognition

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Somaliland has rejected allegations that it agreed to host Israeli military facilities and resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza in exchange for recognition by Israel. In a statement, the ministry described its engagement with Israel as “purely diplomatic” and conducted “in full respect of international law.”

According to reports, Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had claimed that Somaliland accepted three conditions from Israel: the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of a military base on the Gulf of Aden coast, and joining the Abraham Accords. However, Somaliland’s foreign minister stated that no talks had taken place on the issue.

Somaliland’s President Abdurrahman Mohamed Abdullahi is planning an official visit to Israel in the coming weeks, according to reports. The visit could take place as early as January, during which Abdullahi would formally join the Abraham Accords.

Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state last week, ending more than three decades of failed bids by the breakaway region of Somalia. The move has triggered widespread anger across Somalia, with tens of thousands taking to the streets on December 30 in various cities.

More than 50 countries have condemned Israel’s move, while the African Union and the European Union have expressed concerns over Somalia’s territorial integrity. Despite the backlash, Somaliland’s president expressed confidence that “many more nations will soon formally recognize the Republic of Somaliland.”

Source: Al Jazeera