Celebrations in Somaliland for Israeli recognition

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced today (Friday) Israeli recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Netanyahu, Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and the President of Somaliland, Dr. Abdirahman Mohamed Abdelahi, signed a joint and mutual declaration. The agreement with Somaliland has geo-strategic importance, mainly due to its geographical proximity to Yemen, south of the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea.

Shortly after, Abdelahi published his own response, in which he congratulated Israel on the decision and clarified that he intended to join the Abraham Accords. Israel’s recognition of the country led to many joyous celebrations in the streets of Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland. Footage from the scene shows crowds of people with Somaliland and Israeli flags celebrating in the streets. There are also fireworks and projections of Israeli flags on buildings.

However, the same recognition also drew condemnations from several countries. In a joint statement by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti, they condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The government of Somalia stated: “Absolutely and unequivocally rejects the intentional violation of its sovereignty and the illegal step of Israel, which claims to recognize the northern region of Somalia.”

Added to this was a statement of condemnation from the chairman of the African Union who emphasized his “uncompromising commitment to the unity and sovereignty of Somalia”. In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia also issued a statement of condemnation and wrote: “Saudi Arabia expresses its full support for the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia and its unity and territorial integrity.”

It also reads: “Saudi Arabia rejects the announcement of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region, which constitutes a unilateral separatist step that contradicts international law.” In response to this, the president of Somaliland said that it meets the criteria of a state according to international law and stated that it is seeking peace.