Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti condemn Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.
The foreign ministers of Somalia, Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti have condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, Egypt announced Friday.
“The ministers affirmed their total rejection and condemnation of Israel’s recognition of the Somaliland region, emphasizing their full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia,” the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement following a telephone call between the Egyptian foreign minister and his Somali, Turkish and Djiboutian counterparts.
Recognition of Somaliland by Israel
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state on Friday.
Together with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and the President of Somaliland, Netanyahu signed a joint and mutual declaration.
President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi thanked Netanyahu for his role in the declaration and expressed appreciation for Israel’s efforts in combating terrorism and promoting regional peace.
Somaliland has enjoyed effective autonomy and relative peace and stability since 1991, when Somalia descended into civil war, but the breakaway region has failed to gain recognition from any other country.
Over the years, Somalia has rallied international actors against any country recognizing Somaliland.
The former British protectorate hopes that recognition by Israel will encourage other countries to follow suit, thereby increasing its diplomatic clout and access to international markets.
