Arab League-Gulf Council Condemns Israel's Recognition of Somaliland

JAKARTA - The Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council have condemned Israel's recognition of Somaliland, which separated from Somalia as an independent country, judging the move a serious violation of international law and the sovereignty of the Somali state.

In a statement, the Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit rejected Israel's move, calling it "a clear violation of international law and a flagrant violation of the principle of unity and sovereignty of states."

"Any attempt to impose unilateral recognition is an unacceptable interference in Somalia's internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability," he warned.

The GCC also rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland's independence, calling it a "grave violation of the principles of international law and a flagrant violation" of Somalia's sovereignty.

"This confession is a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and open the door to further tensions and conflicts," GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said in a statement quoted by ANTARA from Anadolu, Saturday, December 27.

According to him, this confession is contrary to regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening peace and international security in the region.

He reiterated the GCC countries' support for Somalia "in all matters that will strengthen its security, stability, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, thus ensuring a dignified life for its brotherly people."

Israel became the first country in the world on Friday (26/12) to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.

Somaliland, which has not received 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 enforce control over the territory, and its leadership unable to gain international recognition for 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.