Somalis protest Israels historic recognition of Somaliland territory

Protests Erupt Across Somalia Following Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

Demonstrations have taken place across Somalia in response to Israel’s formal recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. The protests, which occurred in multiple cities including Mogadishu, Baidoa, Dhusamareb, Las Anod, Hobyo, and northeastern regions, saw large crowds gather at various locations, waving Somali flags and chanting slogans calling for national unity.

President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud traveled to Istanbul on Tuesday morning for talks with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Somalia and Turkey have close ties, with Ankara emerging as a regional rival to Israel in recent months. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 but has not gained international recognition despite maintaining its own currency, passport, and army.

Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s sovereignty last Friday, describing the move as part of the Abraham Accords that normalized ties between Israel and several Arab nations. President Mohamud urged Somaliland’s leadership to reverse the decision, warning that its territory could be used as a base for targeting other nations.

The demonstrations reflect a rare show of political unity in Somalia, with leaders across the spectrum condemning Israel’s decision. The National Consultative Council rejected the recognition as an “illegal step” that threatens regional security. Most UN Security Council members condemned Israel’s move at a meeting convened on Monday, although the United States did not participate.

The US stated its position on Somaliland had not changed, while Somalia’s UN ambassador warned that the recognition aims to promote the fragmentation of Somalia and could facilitate the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to northwestern Somalia.

Source: Al Jazeera