The recognition of the Somaliland region by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is against international law, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud said on Dec. 27.
Israel became the world’s first country on Dec. 26 to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, drawing condemnation from Türkiye, and countries in Africa and the Middle East, among others. Arab countries, including Palestine, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, rejecting the move as a violation of international law and reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
“The illegal aggression of PM Netanyahu in recognising a part of Somalia’s Northern region is against international law,” Mohamud wrote on US social media platform X. “Meddling with Somalia’s internal affairs is contrary to established legal & diplomatic rules. Somalia & its people are one: inseparable by division from a far.”
The Somali government refuses to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of the country’s sovereignty and unity.
Saudi Arabia said Israel’s step entrenches “unilateral, separatist measures” and contradicts international law. In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry underscored the kingdom’s “full support” for the sovereignty of Somalia and the unity and integrity of its territory.
Palestine also rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing it as a threat to Arab and regional security. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said it fully supports Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and political independence in line with international law, Arab and international consensus, and decisions of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
The ministry said the move fits “Israel’s broader efforts to destabilise regional and international peace.” It also said Israel has previously floated Somaliland as a destination for relocating Palestinians, particularly from Gaza.
Egypt said it coordinated with regional partners to oppose the move. In a statement, Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held phone calls with his counterparts from Somalia, Türkiye and Djibouti to discuss the “dangerous developments” in the Horn of Africa linked to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
The ministers agreed on a “complete rejection and condemnation” of the recognition and stressed full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity, the statement said.
Kuwait also rejected the recognition, calling it a measure that violates international law.
Iraq condemned Israel’s move as a “blatant violation” of state sovereignty and international law. As chair of the current session of the Arab League, Baghdad said the recognition undermines Somalia’s unity and threatens stability in the Horn of Africa, urging the international community to take a clear stand against what it called “unlawful practices.”
Jordan likewise rejected any attempts to impose parallel entities that threaten Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. Amman said it supports Somalia’s legitimate institutions and opposes measures that jeopardize its security and stability, according to the state news agency Petra.
Qatar also voiced firm opposition, calling the recognition a dangerous precedent and a unilateral step that violates international law and infringes on Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.
In a statement, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry rejected any attempts to establish or impose parallel entities that would undermine Somalia’s unity, reaffirming full support for Somalia’s legitimate institutions and for preserving the country’s security and stability.
