ISTANBUL: Turkiye on Friday condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state, describing the move as an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.
“This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy and its efforts to do everything to prevent the recognition of a Palestinian state, constitutes overt interference in Somalia’s domestic affairs,” said a Turkish foreign ministry statement.
Somaliland was a British colony until 1960, uniting with the former Italian colony Somalia after five days of independence.
Somaliland seceded in 1991 and today operates as a de facto independent state with its own currency system, parliament, and foreign embassies.
Israel recognises Somaliland
Israel on Friday formally recognised Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic relations, marking the first time any country has officially recognised the breakaway region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the decision in a statement from his office, confirming Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and the establishment of formal ties.
The move was described as being “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords,” referring to the normalisation agreements brokered by the United States during President Donald Trump’s first term.
Netanyahu said Israel aims to pursue immediate cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, healthcare, technology, and the economy. He congratulated Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, praised his leadership, and extended an invitation for him to visit Israel.
Abdullahi, hailed the move, saying it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership.”
“This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome… the Prime Minister of the State of Israel’s recognition of the Republic of Somaliland and affirm Somaliland’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords,” normalizing relations with Israel, he posted on X.
He said Somaliland was committed to building partnerships, boosting mutual prosperity and promoting stability across the Middle East and Africa.
