Somalia condemns Israel's appointment of a diplomatic representative in Somaliland

Somalia expressed its strong condemnation on Thursday of the recent announcement by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the appointment of a diplomatic representative in the northwestern region of Somalia, known as Somaliland.

The Somali National News Agency (SONNA), quoting the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that this action constitutes a blatant violation of Somalia's sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity. It also directly contravenes the rules of international law, including the UN Charter and the founding principles of the African Union, the League of Arab States, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, which clearly affirm that Somalia is a single, sovereign, and indivisible state within its internationally recognized borders.

The Somali government categorically rejects any attempt to grant diplomatic or political recognition to any part of its territory outside the authority of the state. It emphasized that the northwestern region of Somalia, known as Somaliland, remains an integral part of Somalia, and that any attempts to portray it as a separate entity lack any legal basis and undermine the established international consensus.

She noted that while Somalia continues to work with its international partners to strengthen state institutions, consolidate good governance, advance national reconciliation efforts, and combat terrorism, such moves would destabilize the region and encourage divisive rhetoric, undermining international efforts to achieve security and stability in the region.