Israel becomes first country to recognise this African Muslim nation, Somalia and African Union raise objections

Tel Aviv (The Uttam Hindu): Israel has taken a significant diplomatic step by announcing formal recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign nation. The move is being seen as a major shift in the politics of the Horn of Africa and is expected to strain Israel’s relations with Somalia. Somaliland’s population is predominantly Sunni Muslim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that following the recognition, Israel will immediately begin cooperation with Somaliland in agriculture, healthcare, technology and economic sectors. Congratulating Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, Netanyahu praised his leadership and extended an invitation for an official visit to Israel. He described the decision as being in line with the spirit of the Abraham Accords initiated under former US President Donald Trump.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar and Somaliland’s president also signed a joint declaration related to mutual recognition. President Abdullahi stated that Somaliland would join the Abraham Accords and said the move could prove important for regional and global peace.

The decision has drawn strong objections from Somalia and the African Union. Somalia’s Prime Minister’s Office termed it a direct attack on the country’s sovereignty and said the federal government would take all necessary diplomatic, political and legal steps to protect its territorial integrity and internationally recognised borders.

Egypt has also expressed concern over the development. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held discussions with the foreign ministers of Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti. According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, all sides reiterated their support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, warning that recognising separatist regions poses a threat to international peace.

The African Union made it clear that it does not accept any move to recognise Somaliland and reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s unity. The AU cautioned that such decisions could weaken peace and stability across the African continent.

It is noteworthy that Somaliland has remained de facto autonomous and relatively stable since 1991, but had not received formal recognition from any country until now. Somaliland hopes that Israel’s decision will encourage other nations to follow suit and help it gain wider international recognition.