New York (Somalia Today) — The UN Security Council heard sweeping objections on Monday after Israel announced it was formally recognising Somaliland as “an independent and sovereign State,” a move Somalia condemned as an attack on its unity and a dangerous precedent for the Horn of Africa.
The emergency session, convened at Somalia’s request, drew broad support for Somalia’s territorial integrity, with Israel largely isolated in defending the decision.
While Israel defended its decision as an acknowledgment of “historical reality,” major powers and regional blocs warned that redrawing African borders unilaterally risks fuelling division at a moment when the Council’s focus remains on Somalia’s fragile security transition.
‘Null and void’
Somalia’s UN ambassador, Abukar Osman, told the Council that “no external actor has the legitimate right or authority” to alter Somalia’s internationally recognised borders.
Speaking on behalf of Algeria, Guyana, and Sierra Leone, Osman urged member states to treat Israel’s move as “null and void” under the UN Charter and international law, calling it a “flagrant attack” on Somalia’s sovereignty.
“This act of aggression is aimed at encouraging the breakup of Somalia,” Osman said, warning that it violated the fundamental principles of the African Union (AU) enshrined in its Constitutive Act.
Israel’s delegate replied that the decision was lawful and principled, arguing it reflected “a long-established reality” rather than a political invention.
The representative said Somaliland briefly emerged as an independent state in 1960 and claimed Israel was among 35 nations that recognised it at the time.
Referencing atrocities against the Isaaq community in the late 1980s—crimes now widely acknowledged as genocide—the Israeli envoy said recognition carried moral as well as historical justification.
“Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is neither provocative nor new,” the delegate insisted. “It is a lawful, principled acknowledgement consistent with international law.”
Western allies hold line
Despite close ties to Israel, key Western allies refused to follow suit, reaffirming support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
The United Kingdom, through Ambassador James Kariuki, said London “does not recognise Somaliland’s independence” and stressed that any status change must come from dialogue between Mogadishu and Hargeisa, not unilateral declarations.
The ambassador warned that internal divisions could be exploited by Al-Shabaab, hurting years of costly security gains.
The United States adopted a careful tone. Deputy Representative Tammy Bruce told the Council there was “no announcement” on any U.S. recognition and “no change in American policy.”
Washington nevertheless repeated Israel’s right to conduct diplomatic relations, a distinction meant to separate support for Israel’s sovereignty from approval of its Somaliland policy.
Both statements underscored continuity within Western positions — cautious diplomacy rooted in respect for Somalia’s internationally recognised borders and concern over regional stability.
African and Arab backlash
The strongest criticism came from African and Arab delegations, who said recognising breakaway territories contradicts the continental commitment to protect inherited borders.
The African Union observer warned that undermining Somalia’s sovereignty was “inconsistent with the main principles of the African Union,” referencing the AU’s founding commitment to preserve post-independence boundaries as a shield against division.
The Arab League representative described Israel’s action as “reckless,” saying it was an excuse for “illegal presence on Somali soil” and for advancing political or military agendas that could threaten Arab–African security.
The League further argued that Israel’s step “flagrantly violates” the UN Charter and may help “plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians and exploitation of northern Somali ports for military bases.”
Djibouti and Türkiye echoed the condemnation, warning that the move defied international norms and risked destabilising the already volatile Horn of Africa.
Ankara’s delegate said the recognition is “a direct threat to an Arab League member” and undermined shared Arab–African regional security.
Several delegations also drew parallels with the Palestinian question, urging the Council to reaffirm the principle of two states rather than taking “provocative steps” on the African continent that could weaken support for Palestinian self-determination.
What happens next
The diplomatic dispute comes at a critical time for Somalia.
Only days earlier, the Security Council renewed the mandate for the African Union Support and Stabilisation Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), reaffirming international commitment to Somalia’s state-building and counter-terrorism efforts against Al-Shabaab.
UN Assistant Secretary-General Khaled Khiari briefed members that Somaliland authorities had framed Israel’s recognition as a path toward full diplomatic relations.
He stressed that the UN continued to urge dialogue, particularly under the framework of the 2023 Djibouti Communiqué, which remains the primary reference point for negotiations between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Somalia has said that it will press the issue diplomatically and legally, both within the UN system and through regional organisations, to prevent Israel’s move from gaining traction.
For now, Israel stands alone: no other UN member state has followed its lead, while major powers — including the UK, China, and the United States — continue to reaffirm support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
