The European Union on Saturday called for Somalia’s territorial integrity to be upheld after Israel became the first country to formally recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
Israel’s move a day earlier was condemned internationally, with several African and Middle East countries insisting that Somalia’s borders cannot be changed unilaterally.
What did the EU say?
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni said the bloc “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.”
“This is vital for the peace and stability of the entire Horn of Africa region,” the spokesman said in a statement. statement,
“The EU encourages productive dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve long-standing differences,” El Anouni said.
Somalia condemns Israel’s ‘illegal aggression’
Somalia’s government expressed anger at Israel’s announcement, calling it a direct attack on its sovereignty.
Authorities in Mogadishu said they would take diplomatic and legal measures to counter the “unlawful” and “deliberate” attempt to legalize the secession.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of violating international norms, and insisted that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
wave of international rejection
Several governments and regional bodies also immediately rejected Israel’s move. Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti and members of the Gulf Cooperation Council condemned the recognition, warning that it risked destabilizing the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea corridor.
The African Union and the East African bloc IGAD reiterated their longstanding position that Somalia’s borders are internationally recognized and cannot be changed unilaterally.
Nigeria and several Middle Eastern states also issued statements urging them to refrain from recognizing the breakaway territories.
A joint declaration by more than 20 countries and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation warned of “serious consequences” for regional and global security.
The United States stated that it would continue to recognize the territorial integrity of Somalia, including the territory of Somaliland.
Why did Israel act now?
Israel took the step as part of an expanded network of partnerships inspired by the Abraham Accords, which have opened diplomatic and economic channels between Israel and several Arab and Muslim-majority states since 2020.
The Abraham Accords were mostly signed during US President Donald Trump’s first term and with Washington’s mediation.
But despite Trump’s return to the White House earlier this year, no new Arab countries have joined the accord, with any potential agreement complicated by the war in Gaza.
Somaliland, which has been operating as a de facto state with its own institutions, currency and security forces since 1991, hopes Israel’s recognition will break decades of diplomatic isolation and encourage other countries to follow suit.
Edited by: Rana Taha