Hargeisa, Somaliland – Celebrations erupted in Hargeisa following Israel’s announcement recognizing Somaliland’s independence. The move, however, has been met with strong condemnation from the Somali Federal Government in Mogadishu.
Large crowds gathered in Hargeisa, chanting slogans expressing their delight at the Israeli recognition. Government officials attending the rallies emphasized that Israel’s recognition poses no threat to Somalia, stating that brotherly ties would remain strong.
Abdulrahman Tayaar, the Foreign Minister of Somaliland, hailed Israel’s recognition as a victory for justice. In an interview with Israeli state radio, he expressed hope that this recognition would pave the way for recognition from the United States and, ultimately, international recognition of Somaliland, leading to the establishment of what he described as a free and democratic state, a goal pursued for over three decades.
Mogadishu Responds – In contrast, the Somali Parliament convened in an emergency joint session, overwhelmingly voting to condemn Israel’s action as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. The parliamentary resolution declared the Israeli move illegitimate and a clear breach of United Nations, African Union, and Arab League charters. It further asserted that such actions contradict the principles of respecting state sovereignty and territorial unity.
President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that Somalia rejects Prime Minister Netanyahu’s move regarding Somaliland, viewing it as a violation of its sovereignty and an aggression against its unity. Addressing the parliament, the President affirmed Somalia’s rejection of importing the chaos and conflicts caused by Israel in the Middle East into Somali territories.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s office announced in a statement on Friday its official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
The move has triggered a wave of reactions, with several Arab and Islamic nations expressing their strong disapproval of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
