MOGADISHU: Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily on Friday after Israel formally recognised the northern region of Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" — the first country to do so.
Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has for decades pushed for international recognition, which has been the key priority for president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi since he took office last year.
But a Somali foreign ministry statement warned the decision was a 'deliberate attack' on its sovereignty that would undermine peace in the region. Several other countries also condemned Israel's decision.
The African Union said it "firmly rejects" Israel's move, warning: "Any attempt to undermine the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia...risks setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent."
Somaliland "remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia", which is a member of the AU, the pan-African body's head, Mahamoud Ali Youssouf, said.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he announced "the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state", making Israel the first country to do so.
"The declaration is in the spirit of the Abraham Accords," Netanyahu's office said, referring to several agreements between Israel and Arab countries brokered by US President Donald Trump during his first presidency to normalise ties with Israel.
It said Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit.
Trump, when asked by the New York Post newspaper about US recognition of Somaliland, said "no" and added: "Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?"
Hailing Israel's decision, Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership".
"This is a historic moment as we warmly welcome" he said, affirming "Somaliland's readiness to join the Abraham Accords," he added.
In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.
Türkiye, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.
"This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy...constitutes overt interference in Somalia's domestic affairs", it said in a foreign ministry statement.
Egypt's foreign ministry said its top diplomat had spoken with his counterparts from Türkiye, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia".
In video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.
"I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best," Netanyahu said.
A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden, has its own money, passports and army. But since its unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, it has grappled with decades of isolation. — AFP
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