Global Trade Union Body Rejects Israeli Move on Somaliland

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU:The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC), which represents more than 200 million workers worldwide, has raised concerns over an announcement by Israel indicating that it recognizes Somaliland, a region in northern Somalia, as an independent state.

In a statement, the ITUC said the move runs contrary to long-standing positions of the United Nations, the African Union and the wider international community, which recognise Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and political unity.

The global labour body warned that unilateral actions affecting Somalia’s status risk breaching international law, undermining multilateral diplomacy and increasing tensions in the Horn of Africa, a region already facing prolonged conflict and instability.

The ITUC said questions of statehood must be addressed through recognised international legal frameworks and inclusive dialogue, rather than through individual political decisions. It stressed that durable solutions require consent and engagement within multilateral institutions.

The organisation expressed solidarity with Somali trade unions, including the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and ITUC-Africa, which have cautioned that any steps perceived as challenging Somalia’s unity could threaten peace and regional stability.

Somalia continues to face overlapping challenges, including insecurity, climate shocks, displacement and economic hardship, the ITUC said, warning that developments which heighten uncertainty could hinder peace-building and development efforts.

The confederation called on Israel to reconsider its position and urged all states to avoid actions that could destabilise Somalia or the wider region. It also appealed to the United Nations, the African Union and international partners to intensify support for dialogue, democratic governance and peace-building in Somalia.

The ITUC said it would continue to support Somali workers and their unions, reaffirming its commitment to international law, multilateralism and social justice.