National Olympic Committee Condemns Reports of Israel Recognising Somaliland

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: The National Olympic Committee (NOC) has condemned reports that Israel has recognised Somaliland as an independent entity, warning that any such move would undermine Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In a statement issued in Mogadishu, the committee said Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and described any attempt to recognise it as a separate state as a threat to national unity and regional stability.

“The recognition of any region as independent undermines the sovereignty and territorial integrity of our nation,” the statement said, adding that Somalia rejects all efforts aimed at dividing the country.

The Olympic body called on international partners, including the International Olympic Committee and regional Olympic associations, to stand with Somalia and urge respect for its unity. It said peace and stability in Somalia and the wider Horn of Africa depend on adherence to internationally recognised borders.

The committee also appealed to Somali citizens at home and abroad to remain united, saying collective resolve was essential to safeguarding national cohesion.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, has not been internationally recognised as a sovereign state.

There has been no official confirmation from Israel regarding the reported recognition.

The Somalia National Olympic Committee said it remained committed to the principles of peace, sportsmanship and national solidarity.