Israel becomes first country to recognize Somaliland, UN convenes urgent meeting
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (Photo: Getty Images)
On Friday, December 26, Israel became the first country in the world to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. The decision sparked a controversial reaction, prompting the UN Security Council to call an emergency meeting, according to The Times of Israel.
Somaliland has expressed its interest in joining the Abraham Accords.
On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar signed a declaration on behalf of Israel. In contrast, Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed the document on behalf of his country.
The Times of Israel notes that although other countries, such as the UK, Ethiopia, Türkiye, UAE, Denmark, Kenya, and Taiwan, have not recognized Somaliland, they maintain governmental relations there.
The Times of Israel also reports that in recent months, the Trump administration indicated it might reconsider its position on the region, which seceded over 30 years ago (Somaliland separated from Somalia in 1991).
At the same time, Friday’s announcement sparked anger among several regional states, which accused Israel of undermining sovereignty and territorial integrity.
In a phone call with President Abdullahi, Netanyahu stated that the friendship between the countries has a familiar and historical character.
“We intend to work together with you on economic fields, on agriculture, in the fields of social development,” he added.
UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting
In another article, The Times of Israel reported that on Monday, December 29, the UN Security Council will hold an emergency meeting to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Members of the Council also plan to address Jerusalem’s actions.
The European Union has also joined the criticism of Israel.
The statement from Brussels said that the EU reaffirmed the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with its constitution, the statutes of the African Union, and the United Nations. It added that this was crucial for peace and stability across the Horn of Africa region and that the EU encouraged constructive dialogue between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia to resolve longstanding disagreements.
Other incidents involving Israel
Recently, Canada and more than a dozen European countries issued a joint statement condemning Israel for plans to build 19 new settlements in the occupied West Bank.
The statement emphasized that Israel’s plans violate international law and could contribute to increased instability.
