Somalia rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Somalia has rejected what it described as a "flagrant" move by Israel to recognize its breakaway region, Somaliland, as an independent state, calling the move a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The Prime Minister's Office reiterated the "absolute and unwavering commitment of the government to its sovereignty, national unity, and territorial integrity," citing the Provisional Constitution of Somalia, the UN Charter, and the African Union Constitutive Act as its legal basis.

"The Federal Government of Somalia categorically and firmly rejects the deliberate attack on its sovereignty and the illegal step by Israel that intends to recognize the northern region of Somalia," the statement said, quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Saturday, December 27.

The statement stressed that "the Somaliland region is an integral, indivisible and inalienable part of the sovereign territory" of Somalia.

"No external actor has the authority or standing to alter its unity or territorial configuration," the statement added, warning that "any declaration, recognition, or arrangement" that challenges this status is "null and void, and without any legal or political effect under international law."

The government also reiterated its support for Palestinian rights, saying Somalia "resolutely rejects occupation, forced displacement, demographic engineering, and settlement expansion."

"Somalia will never accept making the Palestinian people stateless," the statement said.

The statement also warned against the establishment of foreign military bases that could drag the country into "proxy conflicts or import regional and international hostilities."

The statement said such actions as Tel Aviv's recognition risked "undermining regional peace and stability" and "worsening political and security tensions" in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

The statement warned that such measures could "create conditions that allow terrorist groups to exploit political instability."

The Somali government urged the international community to "act responsibly" and respect international law and the principles of non-intervention.

The statement also called on Somalis to remain "united, vigilant, and resolute" in defending the country's sovereignty and borders.

The government has vowed to take "all necessary diplomatic, political and legal steps" to defend its internationally recognized borders.

Earlier on the same day, Israel recognized the Somaliland region that separated from Somalia as an independent and sovereign country.

Somaliland, which has had no official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as an administratively, politically, and security entity that is de facto independent, with the central government unable to control the territory, and its leadership unable to obtain international recognition of its independence.

The Somali government refuses to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any agreement or direct involvement with it as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty and unity.

Source: Anadolu