Turkey Rejects Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland, Calls It Interference in Somalia’s Internal Affairs

GOOBJOOG NEWS|ANKARA: Turkey has strongly rejected Israel’s decision to recognize the Somaliland region as an independent state, describing the move as unlawful interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and a threat to peace and security in the Horn of Africa.

In a statement, the spokesperson of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Öncü Keçeli, said Israel’s announcement reflects what Ankara views as the Netanyahu government’s broader pattern of actions aimed at creating instability at both regional and global levels.

Keçeli said the recognition is part of Israel’s expansionist policies and accused it of undermining international law while simultaneously working to block recognition of the Palestinian state.

“Israel’s step constitutes a clear intervention in Somalia’s internal affairs,” the statement said, adding that decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must be made in a manner that reflects the will of all Somalis.

Turkey stressed that questions surrounding Somalia’s territorial and political future cannot be resolved through unilateral external actions, but through inclusive processes grounded in international legitimacy and respect for sovereignty.

Reaffirming its long-standing position, Ankara said it firmly supports Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity, noting that stability in the Horn of Africa depends on respect for internationally recognized borders.

“Turkey, which attaches great importance to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and strongly supports Somalia’s territorial integrity, will continue to stand with the Somali people,” Keçeli said.

Turkey’s statement adds to mounting regional opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. Earlier, the League of Arab States condemned the move as a violation of international law and an unacceptable interference in the affairs of Somalia, a member of the Arab League since 1974. Egypt, Djibouti and other regional actors have also voiced rejection.

Israel announced the recognition earlier on Friday 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.

Egypt, Djibouti and the Arab League have also voiced their rejection of the recognition.