The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Monday regarding Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which has provoked the anger of Somalia and strong reactions from several countries in the region. On Saturday, 21 Arab and Muslim countries issued a joint statement warning that Israel’s decision would have “serious implications for peace and security in the Horn of Africa” and the wider Red Sea region.
In the joint statement released by the Qatari government, Israel’s initiative was unequivocally condemned, with the statement emphasising that it “constitutes a serious violation of the principles of international law.” The statement also condemned “attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from their lands,” amid reports that the recognition of Somaliland is linked to plans to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip.
EU calls for respect
The European Union called today for respect for Somalia’s sovereignty, after Israel officially recognised the independence of Somaliland, marking the first time the self-declared republic that seceded from Somalia in 1991 has been recognised.
The EU “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with its Constitution and the founding charters of the African Union and the United Nations,” said Anuar El Anouni, spokesperson for the European Commission on foreign policy.
“This is essential for peace and stability throughout the Horn of Africa,” he stressed. “The EU encourages constructive dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve longstanding disputes,” the European official added.
'Deliberate attack'
Israel announced that it officially recognises Somaliland, the secessionist province of Somalia that, until Israel’s decision, had not been recognised by any other country in the world. Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia condemned it as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty, while Egypt, Turkey, the six-member Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the Saudi Arabia-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) also condemned the recognition.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence in 1991, at a time when Somalia was descending into chaos following the overthrow of the military regime of the authoritarian dictator Siad Barre. Since then, it has functioned autonomously, with its own currency, military and police force, and relative stability compared with the rest of Somalia, which continues to suffer from chronic political disputes as well as attacks by Islamist insurgents al-Shabaab.