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Arab League Condemns Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Reaffirms Somalia’s Sovereignty

Storyline:Unity of Somalia

GOOBJOOG NEWS|CAIRO: The League of Arab States has strongly condemned Israel’s decision to recognize the Somaliland region as an independent state, warning that the move is provocative, unacceptable and risks undermining regional stability.

In a statement issued on 26 December, the Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit said the recognition violates international law and the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity enshrined in the United Nations Charter.

The League stressed that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia, a full member of the League of Arab States since 1974. Aboul Gheit said any unilateral recognition of a breakaway region constitutes interference in the internal affairs of a member state and sets a dangerous precedent in international relations.

He described Israel’s move as a clear infringement of the rules governing the recognition of states under international law, warning that it could destabilize the Horn of Africa and weaken respect for established borders globally.

Aboul Gheit also linked the decision to Israel’s wider regional conduct, saying it reflects disregard for international legitimacy and amounts to an assault on the sovereignty of an Arab and African state. He accused Israel of attempting to cooperate with third parties to undermine regional stability.

The League’s official spokesperson, Gamal Roshdy, said the Arab League Council, at both summit and ministerial levels, has consistently affirmed that Somaliland is part of Somalia’s internationally recognized territory. He said any attempt to impose unilateral recognition is unacceptable and threatens regional and international security.

The statement places the Arab League firmly alongside Somalia amid growing diplomatic opposition to Israel’s decision. Somalia’s former president Mohamed Abdullahi Mohamed Farmajo has condemned the recognition, while Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti have also issued strong rejections through coordinated diplomatic engagements.

Israel announced the recognition earlier on 26 December following a virtual meeting between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Irro), marking the first recognition of Somaliland by a UN member state since it declared independence in 1991.

As reactions continue to mount, the issue is increasingly being framed by Somalia’s allies as a challenge to international norms on state sovereignty, rather than a purely bilateral diplomatic decision.