Riyadh: Arab countries on Friday 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.
According to Anadolu Agency, Saudi Arabia criticized Israel's action, stating that it entrenches 'unilateral, separatist measures' and contradicts international law. The Saudi Foreign Ministry highlighted the kingdom's 'full support' for Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Riyadh further opposed 'attempts to impose parallel entities' that could destabilize Somalia and emphasized backing the country's legitimate state institutions. Similarly, Palestine denounced Israel's recognition of Somaliland, viewing it as a threat to Arab and regional security. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry expressed full support for Somalia's unity and political independence, aligning with international law and the decisions of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
Palestine also warned that such recognition could undermine Somalia's stability and sovereignty, accusing Israel of attempting to destabilize regional and international peace. The ministry noted that Israel has previously considered Somaliland as a potential relocation site for Palestinians, particularly from Gaza.
Egypt, coordinating with regional partners, opposed the move as well. Egypt's Foreign Ministry stated that Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty engaged in discussions with counterparts from Somalia, Trkiye, and Djibouti to address the 'dangerous developments' in the Horn of Africa following Israel's recognition of Somaliland. The ministers collectively condemned the recognition and reiterated support for Somalia's sovereignty.
Kuwait echoed these sentiments, declaring the recognition a violation of international law and reaffirming support for Somalia's sovereignty and legitimate state institutions. Iraq also condemned the move as a 'blatant violation' of state sovereignty, with Baghdad urging the international community to take a stand against what it called 'unlawful practices.'
Jordan, through state news agency Petra, rejected attempts to impose entities threatening Somalia's unity, voicing support for Somalia's legitimate institutions. Qatar labeled the recognition a dangerous precedent and unilateral step infringing on Somalia's sovereignty, while urging Israel to recognize the State of Palestine and end the conflict in Gaza.
The Sudanese Foreign Ministry described Israel's recognition of Somaliland as a dangerous precedent undermining regional stability, affirming support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty. The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined in rejecting Israel's recognition, emphasizing solidarity with Somalia's sovereignty and territorial unity.
Israel's recognition of Somaliland marks it as the first country to recognize the region as a sovereign state. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991, operating independently with respect to administration, politics, and security, but has not secured international recognition. The Somali government does not acknowledge Somaliland's independence, viewing it as part of its territory, and sees any direct engagement with Somaliland as a violation of its sovereignty and unity.