Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the African Union, and several other countries have forcefully rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, warning that the move violates international law and threatens Somalia’s sovereignty. The backlash followed Israel’s announcement on Friday, making it the first country to formally recognise the self-declared republic.
Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government during a civil war. Despite maintaining its own administration and relative stability, the region has never been recognised by any United Nations member state until Israel’s declaration.
Somalia’s government swiftly condemned the decision, describing it as unlawful interference in its internal affairs. Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs said the country would pursue all diplomatic avenues to challenge the move, insisting the nation remained united in defending its territorial integrity.
Qatar joined the condemnation, calling Israel’s action a dangerous unilateral measure that undermines Somalia’s unity. Doha said it rejected any attempt to create parallel entities that weaken sovereign states and reaffirmed its full support for Somalia and its people.
Saudi Arabia also dismissed the recognition, stating that it entrenched separatist actions that violate international law. Riyadh reiterated its commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and legitimate institutions.
The African Union echoed these concerns, warning that Israel’s decision could set a destabilising precedent across the continent. The bloc stressed its long-standing position that borders inherited at independence must be respected and reaffirmed that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
Turkey described the recognition as unlawful and accused Israel of deliberately interfering in Somalia’s internal affairs with broader regional implications. Egypt and Sudan also condemned the move, warning it could erode stability in the Horn of Africa. Egypt said its foreign minister consulted counterparts in Somalia, Turkey, and Djibouti, all agreeing to reject unilateral actions threatening Somali sovereignty.
The United States has not endorsed Israel’s decision. President Donald Trump said Washington was still studying the issue, expressing uncertainty over Somaliland’s status.
Palestine’s foreign ministry backed Somalia, recalling past Israeli discussions that allegedly linked Somaliland to the relocation of displaced Palestinians from Gaza, which it described as unacceptable.
Despite the backlash, Somaliland’s president defended the recognition, calling it a historic step toward international legitimacy. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement aligned with the Abraham Accords and promised expanded cooperation.
