Somalilanders Celebrating Israel's Recognition (Courtesy)
San Francisco, 28/01/2026
By Savanna Radio Editorial
Turkey has declared Somalia’s unity a top priority, sharply criticizing Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Speaking at the UN Security Council and in joint statements with Somali leaders, Turkish officials reaffirmed unwavering support for Mogadishu’s federal government, calling the Israeli decision “illegitimate and unacceptable.”
Israel announced on December 26 its recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region since 1991 that lacks broad international backing. Somaliland welcomed Israel’s recognition of its independence with widespread celebration and official praise, viewing it as a historic breakthrough after decades of isolation. President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdallah called it a “historic moment” that validates Somaliland’s de facto statehood, stability, and democratic institutions, pledging to join the Abraham Accords for expanded ties in agriculture, health, technology, and security.
Somalia rejected the move as a violation of its sovereignty, prompting allies like Turkey to step up diplomatic defenses of its territorial integrity. Turkish President Erdoğan warned the action risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa amid ongoing security challenges. Somalia strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland at the UN Security Council emergency meeting on December 29, 2025, calling it a “flagrant assault” on its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Ambassador Abu Bakr Dahir Osman, speaking for Somalia, Algeria, Guyana, and Sierra Leone, labeled any agreements with “so-called Somaliland” as “null and void” and a violation of the UN Charter and international law.
Osman urged the Council to reject Israel’s “act of aggression,” warning it threatens Horn of Africa stability and could enable forced Palestinian relocation to northwestern Somalia. Somalia described the move as “morally indefensible” and a “direct threat to global peace,” setting a dangerous precedent for separatism. Most Council members echoed Somalia’s rejection, with China, the UK, and others stressing Somalia’s unity over external interference. The US defended Israel’s sovereign right to recognize states but clarified no US policy change on Somaliland.
Ankara has positioned itself as Somalia’s key partner, providing military training at the TURKSOM base, humanitarian aid, and energy exploration support. Recent high-level talks in Mogadishu focused on counterterrorism, security, and bilateral ties, with Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre thanking Turkey for bolstering national stability. Turkey plans drilling in Somali waters and a spaceport project in 2026, tying economic gains to political unity.
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