UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting over Israel’s Somaliland recognition
Session set for Monday as Israel says it will not 'shy away' from political debate, pledges responsible engagement
Fatma Zehra Solmaz |28.12.2025 - TRT/AA
ISTANBUL
The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency session to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland amid expectations that several members will criticize the move.
"The UN Security Council will convene on Monday for an urgent session following Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland," Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said on US social media company X Saturday.
"We will not shy away from political discussions," he added.
He said Israel would "continue to act responsibly and with discretion, in order to strengthen cooperation with partners who contribute to regional stability."
The move has drawn widespread criticism from countries in Africa, Middle East, as well as Türkiye, Pakistan. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and African Union have also censured the move as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty.
Session set for Monday as Israel says it will not 'shy away' from political debate, pledges responsible engagement
Fatma Zehra Solmaz |28.12.2025 - TRT/AA
ISTANBUL
The UN Security Council is set to convene an emergency session to discuss Israel’s recognition of Somaliland amid expectations that several members will criticize the move.
"The UN Security Council will convene on Monday for an urgent session following Israel's recognition of the Republic of Somaliland," Israel's Ambassador to the UN Danny Danon said on US social media company X Saturday.
"We will not shy away from political discussions," he added.
He said Israel would "continue to act responsibly and with discretion, in order to strengthen cooperation with partners who contribute to regional stability."
The move has drawn widespread criticism from countries in Africa, Middle East, as well as Türkiye, Pakistan. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation and African Union have also censured the move as a violation of Somalia's sovereignty.
Somalia, African nations denounce Israeli recognition of Somaliland
Mogadishu (AFP) – Somalia and the African Union reacted angrily Friday after Israel became the first country to formally recognise the northern region of Somaliland as an independent state.
27/12/2025 - RFI
In Hargeisa, crowds took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state © LUIS TATO / AFP
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.
Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state", prompting Somalia to call the decision a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.
Several other countries condemned Israel's decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent".
Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision was "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords", referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations.
Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader's office said.
Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said "no".
"Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" he added.
With a new president, Somaliland seeks international recognition
Hailing Israel's decision as a "historic moment", Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership".
The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland "as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip", and warned against "complicity" with such a move.
In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.
'Overt interference'
Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.
"This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy... constitutes overt interference in Somalia's domestic affairs", a foreign ministry statement said.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with president Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.
Israel announced Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state", prompting Somalia to call the decision a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.
Several other countries condemned Israel's decision. The African Union (AU) rejected the move and warned that it risked "setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent".
Somaliland "remains an integral part" of Somalia, an AU member, said the pan-African body's head Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said the decision was "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords", referring to a series of agreements brokered by US President Donald Trump in his first term that normalised ties between Israel and several Arab nations.
Netanyahu had invited Abdullahi to visit, the Israeli leader's office said.
Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether the United States planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said "no".
"Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?" he added.
With a new president, Somaliland seeks international recognition
Hailing Israel's decision as a "historic moment", Abdullahi said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a "strategic partnership".
The Palestinian Authority rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland.
It said on X that Israel had previously named Somaliland "as a destination for the forced displacement of our Palestinian people, particularly from the Gaza Strip", and warned against "complicity" with such a move.
In Hargeisa, the capital of Somaliland, crowds of people took to the streets to celebrate, many carrying the flag of the breakaway state, said sources.
'Overt interference'
Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, also condemned the move.
"This initiative by Israel, which aligns with its expansionist policy... constitutes overt interference in Somalia's domestic affairs", a foreign ministry statement said.
A video showed Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone to confirm the recognition © Ariel Schalit / POOL/AFP
Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia".
In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.
"I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best," Netanyahu said.
A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army.
But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence.
Strategic move
Israel's regional security interests may lie behind the move.
"Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis," said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen's Iran-backed rebels.
Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.
Somaliland's lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.
A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.
Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Historic agreements struck late in Trump's first term in 2020 saw several countries including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel.
But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further.
(AFP)
Egypt said its top diplomat had spoken with counterparts from Turkey, Somalia and Djibouti, who together condemned the move and emphasised "full support for the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Somalia".
In a video showing Netanyahu speaking to Abdullahi by telephone, the Israeli leader said that he believed the new relationship would offer economic opportunities.
"I am very, very happy and I am very proud of this day and I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best," Netanyahu said.
A self-proclaimed republic, Somaliland enjoys a strategic position on the Gulf of Aden and has its own money, passports and army.
But it has been diplomatically isolated since unilaterally declaring independence.
Strategic move
Israel's regional security interests may lie behind the move.
"Israel requires allies in the Red Sea region for many strategic reasons, among them the possibility of a future campaign against the Houthis," said the Institute for National Security Studies in a paper last month, referring to Yemen's Iran-backed rebels.
Israel repeatedly hit targets in Yemen after the Gaza war broke out in October 2023, in response to Houthi attacks on Israel that the rebels said were in solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
The Houthis have halted their attacks since a fragile truce began in Gaza in October.
Somaliland's lack of international recognition has hampered access to foreign loans, aid and investment, and the territory remains deeply impoverished.
A deal between landlocked Ethiopia and Somaliland last year to lease a stretch of coastline for a port and military base enraged Somalia.
Israel has been trying to bolster relations with countries in the Middle East and Africa.
Historic agreements struck late in Trump's first term in 2020 saw several countries including the Muslim-majority United Arab Emirates and Morocco normalise relations with Israel.
But wars that have stoked Arab anger, particularly in Gaza, have hampered recent efforts to expand ties further.
(AFP)
Arab and Islamic states reject Israel’s recognition of Somaliland
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said earlier that the country formally recognized Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, as an “independent and sovereign state.” (AFP)
Arab News
December 28, 2025
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” on Friday
Saudi Arabia on Friday expressed full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia
A group of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have firmly rejected Israel’s announcement of its recognition of the Somaliland region within Somalia.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the ministers condemned Israel’s decision, announced on December 26, warning that the move carries “serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region” and undermines international peace and security, the Jordan News Agency reported.
The statement described the recognition as an unprecedented and flagrant violation of international law and the charter of the United Nations, which uphold the principles of state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, JNA added.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region’s leader hailed its first-ever official recognition.
The ministers reaffirmed their full support for the sovereignty of Somalia, rejecting any measures that would undermine its unity or territorial integrity.
They warned that recognizing the independence of parts of states sets a dangerous precedent and poses a direct threat to international peace and security.
The statement also reiterated categorical opposition to any attempt to link the move with plans to displace the Palestinian people outside their land, stressing that such proposals are rejected “in form and substance.”
Alongside the Jordanian foreign ministry, the joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, as well as the OIC.
Saudi Arabia on Friday expressed full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and expressed its rejection of the declaration of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland slammed across world capitals
Regional blocs join nations in condemning Israel’s move to formally recognise breakaway Somali region as independent.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said earlier that the country formally recognized Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, as an “independent and sovereign state.” (AFP)
Arab News
December 28, 2025
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” on Friday
Saudi Arabia on Friday expressed full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia
A group of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries, alongside the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), have firmly rejected Israel’s announcement of its recognition of the Somaliland region within Somalia.
In a joint statement issued on Saturday, the ministers condemned Israel’s decision, announced on December 26, warning that the move carries “serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region” and undermines international peace and security, the Jordan News Agency reported.
The statement described the recognition as an unprecedented and flagrant violation of international law and the charter of the United Nations, which uphold the principles of state sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, JNA added.
Israel formally recognized Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state” and signed an agreement to establish diplomatic ties, as the region’s leader hailed its first-ever official recognition.
The ministers reaffirmed their full support for the sovereignty of Somalia, rejecting any measures that would undermine its unity or territorial integrity.
They warned that recognizing the independence of parts of states sets a dangerous precedent and poses a direct threat to international peace and security.
The statement also reiterated categorical opposition to any attempt to link the move with plans to displace the Palestinian people outside their land, stressing that such proposals are rejected “in form and substance.”
Alongside the Jordanian foreign ministry, the joint statement was issued by the foreign ministers of Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, The Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye and Yemen, as well as the OIC.
Saudi Arabia on Friday expressed full support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and expressed its rejection of the declaration of mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland slammed across world capitals
Regional blocs join nations in condemning Israel’s move to formally recognise breakaway Somali region as independent.
A man holds a flag of Somaliland in front of the Hargeisa War Memorial monument in Hargeisa in November 2024 [File: AFP]
By Al Jazeera and News Agencies
Published On 27 Dec 2025
The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have joined numerous countries and foreign ministers in decrying Israel’s formal recognition of the Somali breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
Somaliland, a region in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.
Israel announced on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, becoming the first country to make such a declaration.
The announcement prompted Somalia to call the decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.
In a statement on Friday, the AU continental bloc rejected Israel’s move and warned that it risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.
The AU Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the institution “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
‘Dangerous precedent’
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called Israel’s action “a clear violation of international law and a flagrant infringement of the principle of the unity and sovereignty of states”.
“Any attempt to impose unilateral recognitions constitutes an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability,” he warned.
The GCC called the development “a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement” of Somalia’s sovereignty.
“This recognition represents a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and open the door to further tensions and conflicts, contradicting regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security in the region,” GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said in a statement.
The European Union said it respected Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, calling for dialogue between the Somali national government and Somaliland.
The OIC issued a joint statement together with the foreign ministers of several countries including Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, and Yemen.
The group issued its “unequivocal rejection of Israel’s recognition of the ‘Somaliland’ region … given the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole”.
They criticised “Israel’s full and blatant disregard to international law” and expressed full support for the sovereignty of Somalia.
The group also rejected “any potential link between such measure [Somaliland recognition] and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land”.
Earlier this year, reports emerged linking potential recognition of Somaliland to plans for ethnically cleansing Palestinians in Gaza and forcibly moving them to the African region.
Somalia demands reversal of recognition
Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Nigeria were among the other countries that condemned Israel’s move in separate statements.
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas also rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
On Friday, Somalia demanded Israel reverse its recognition of Somaliland as independent, condemning the move as an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated”.
However, Somaliland leader Abdullahi hailed Israel’s decision as a “historic moment” and said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.
As world leaders weighed in, Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked armed group al-Shabab pledged on Saturday to fight any attempt by Israel “to claim or use parts of Somaliland”.
“We will not accept it, and we will fight against it,” the group that has waged a decades-long armed rebellion in the region said in a statement.
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United States President Donald Trump also commented on the issue.
Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether Washington planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said “no”.
“Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he added on Friday.
By Al Jazeera and News Agencies
Published On 27 Dec 2025
The Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the African Union (AU), and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) have joined numerous countries and foreign ministers in decrying Israel’s formal recognition of the Somali breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
Somaliland, a region in the Horn of Africa, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has pushed for international recognition for decades, with President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi making it a top priority since taking office last year.
Israel announced on Friday that it viewed Somaliland as an “independent and sovereign state”, becoming the first country to make such a declaration.
The announcement prompted Somalia to call the decision a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty that would undermine regional peace.
In a statement on Friday, the AU continental bloc rejected Israel’s move and warned that it risked “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.
The AU Commission chair, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, said the institution “firmly rejects any initiative or action aimed at recognising Somaliland as an independent entity, recalling that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia”.
‘Dangerous precedent’
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit called Israel’s action “a clear violation of international law and a flagrant infringement of the principle of the unity and sovereignty of states”.
“Any attempt to impose unilateral recognitions constitutes an unacceptable interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and sets a dangerous precedent that threatens regional and international security and stability,” he warned.
The GCC called the development “a grave violation of the principles of international law and a blatant infringement” of Somalia’s sovereignty.
“This recognition represents a dangerous precedent that will undermine the foundations of stability in the Horn of Africa region and open the door to further tensions and conflicts, contradicting regional and international efforts aimed at strengthening international peace and security in the region,” GCC Secretary-General Jasem Albudaiwi said in a statement.
The European Union said it respected Somalia’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, calling for dialogue between the Somali national government and Somaliland.
The OIC issued a joint statement together with the foreign ministers of several countries including Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkiye, and Yemen.
The group issued its “unequivocal rejection of Israel’s recognition of the ‘Somaliland’ region … given the serious repercussions of such unprecedented measure on peace and security in the Horn of Africa, the Red Sea, and its serious effects on international peace and security as a whole”.
They criticised “Israel’s full and blatant disregard to international law” and expressed full support for the sovereignty of Somalia.
The group also rejected “any potential link between such measure [Somaliland recognition] and any attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people out of their land”.
Earlier this year, reports emerged linking potential recognition of Somaliland to plans for ethnically cleansing Palestinians in Gaza and forcibly moving them to the African region.
Somalia demands reversal of recognition
Qatar, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, China and Nigeria were among the other countries that condemned Israel’s move in separate statements.
The Palestinian Authority and Hamas also rejected Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
On Friday, Somalia demanded Israel reverse its recognition of Somaliland as independent, condemning the move as an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated”.
However, Somaliland leader Abdullahi hailed Israel’s decision as a “historic moment” and said in a post on X that it marked the beginning of a “strategic partnership”.
As world leaders weighed in, Somalia’s al-Qaeda-linked armed group al-Shabab pledged on Saturday to fight any attempt by Israel “to claim or use parts of Somaliland”.
“We will not accept it, and we will fight against it,” the group that has waged a decades-long armed rebellion in the region said in a statement.
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United States President Donald Trump also commented on the issue.
Asked by the New York Post newspaper whether Washington planned to also recognise Somaliland, Trump said “no”.
“Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he added on Friday.
Iran slams Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as ‘flagrant violation’ of Somalia’s sovereignty
Tehran says move part of Israel’s broader policy to exacerbate insecurity in Red Sea and Horn of Africa
Tehran says move part of Israel’s broader policy to exacerbate insecurity in Red Sea and Horn of Africa
TRT/AA
Syed Zafar Mehdi
Syed Zafar Mehdi
|27.12.2025
TEHRAN, Iran
Iran strongly condemned on Saturday Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as a “flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Criticizing the Israeli move as “malicious,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized the importance of “preserving the national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity” of Somalia.
Baghaei asserted that the recognition aligns with Israel’s broader policy “to destabilize countries in the region and exacerbate insecurity in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.”
Expressing support for the firm condemnation by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the African Union (AU), Baghaei called on the international community to take “decisive action” to “neutralize this expansionist and threat-creating move by the occupying regime.”
On Friday, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that the two sides had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.”
In response, Somalia’s government denounced the move as an “attack” on its sovereignty and an “unlawful action,” reaffirming Somaliland as an “inseparable” part of its territory.
The Israeli move has been widely condemned by several countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.
Notably, Somalia was among the countries that severed diplomatic ties with Iran in January 2016 following a mob attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
In March 2024, a year after Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations through a China-brokered deal, Somalia announced its readiness to mend ties with Iran.
In August of the same year, the top diplomats of Somalia and Iran met on the sidelines of the OIC summit in Jeddah and agreed to revive and deepen diplomatic relations.
TEHRAN, Iran
Iran strongly condemned on Saturday Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland as a “flagrant violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Criticizing the Israeli move as “malicious,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei emphasized the importance of “preserving the national sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity” of Somalia.
Baghaei asserted that the recognition aligns with Israel’s broader policy “to destabilize countries in the region and exacerbate insecurity in the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa.”
Expressing support for the firm condemnation by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the African Union (AU), Baghaei called on the international community to take “decisive action” to “neutralize this expansionist and threat-creating move by the occupying regime.”
On Friday, Israel became the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing that the two sides had signed a joint declaration establishing full diplomatic relations “in the spirit of the Abraham Accords.”
In response, Somalia’s government denounced the move as an “attack” on its sovereignty and an “unlawful action,” reaffirming Somaliland as an “inseparable” part of its territory.
The Israeli move has been widely condemned by several countries, including Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Qatar.
Notably, Somalia was among the countries that severed diplomatic ties with Iran in January 2016 following a mob attack on the Saudi embassy in Tehran.
In March 2024, a year after Iran and Saudi Arabia restored diplomatic relations through a China-brokered deal, Somalia announced its readiness to mend ties with Iran.
In August of the same year, the top diplomats of Somalia and Iran met on the sidelines of the OIC summit in Jeddah and agreed to revive and deepen diplomatic relations.
Palestine reaffirms support for Somalia's unity and rejects recognition between Israel and Somaliland
RAMALLAH, December 27, 2025 (WAFA) — The State of Palestine affirmed its full support for the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Somalia, and rejected any mutual recognition between Israel and the Somaliland region.
President Mahmoud Abbas expressed his firm rejection of any steps that would undermine Somali sovereignty or destabilize the country, stressing Palestine's support for Somalia's legitimate state institutions and its rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that contradict the unity of the Somali state.
President Abbas also praised the Arab and fraternal positions rejecting this move, which he said aims at desperate attempts to displace Palestinians to Somalia.
Trump says not ready to follow Israel recognizing Somaliland: Report
December 27, 2025
December 27, 2025
Middle East Monitor
US President Donald Trump said Friday he did not intend to immediately follow Israel in recognizing Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent country, Anadolu reports.
“Everything is under study … We’ll study it. I study a lot of things and always make great decisions and they turn out to be correct,” Trump told the New York Post in a phone interview.
“Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he asked.
On Somaliland’s proposal to provide the US with access to a port on the strategically significant Gulf of Aden, Trump responded dismissively, saying: “Big deal.”
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s separation from Somalia, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convey the development to Trump during a planned meeting scheduled for Monday.
Speaking during a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to mark the diplomatic move, Netanyahu said he would inform Trump of Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords.
Trump underlined that he was not swayed by the proposal and that the upcoming talks with Netanyahu would prioritize issues related to the Gaza Strip, particularly the ceasefire he brokered in October and ongoing reconstruction efforts under a UN-approved framework
Somalia’s Al-Shabab vows to fight any Israeli use of Somaliland
A photo dated 2010 shows an Al-Qaeda linked Shabab militant straps ammunition around his waist in Mogadishu, Somalia. (AFP)
AFP
December 27, 2025
MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabab vowed Saturday to fight any attempt by Israel “to claim or use parts of Somaliland” following its recognition of the breakaway territory.
“We will not accept it, and we will fight against it,” Al-Shabab said in a statement.
It said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state showed it “has decided to expand into parts of the Somali territories” to support “the apostate administration in the northwest regions.”
US President Donald Trump said Friday he did not intend to immediately follow Israel in recognizing Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent country, Anadolu reports.
“Everything is under study … We’ll study it. I study a lot of things and always make great decisions and they turn out to be correct,” Trump told the New York Post in a phone interview.
“Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” he asked.
On Somaliland’s proposal to provide the US with access to a port on the strategically significant Gulf of Aden, Trump responded dismissively, saying: “Big deal.”
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland’s separation from Somalia, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would convey the development to Trump during a planned meeting scheduled for Monday.
Speaking during a video call with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi to mark the diplomatic move, Netanyahu said he would inform Trump of Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords.
Trump underlined that he was not swayed by the proposal and that the upcoming talks with Netanyahu would prioritize issues related to the Gaza Strip, particularly the ceasefire he brokered in October and ongoing reconstruction efforts under a UN-approved framework
Somalia’s Al-Shabab vows to fight any Israeli use of Somaliland
A photo dated 2010 shows an Al-Qaeda linked Shabab militant straps ammunition around his waist in Mogadishu, Somalia. (AFP)
AFP
December 27, 2025
MOGADISHU: Somalia’s Al-Qaeda-linked militant group Al-Shabab vowed Saturday to fight any attempt by Israel “to claim or use parts of Somaliland” following its recognition of the breakaway territory.
“We will not accept it, and we will fight against it,” Al-Shabab said in a statement.
It said Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state showed it “has decided to expand into parts of the Somali territories” to support “the apostate administration in the northwest regions.”
Pakistan slams Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as 'illegal and provocative'
"Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region," says Foreign Ministry.
RelatedTRT World - Türkiye denounces Israel's Somaliland recognition as unlawful, destabilising
Islamabad also expressed its "complete support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity" of Somalia.
The remarks follow an announcement on Thursday, in which Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was in the “spirit of the Abraham Accords,” citing cooperation in agriculture, technology, and regional security.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a de facto state for more than three decades but had not previously received formal recognition from any UN member state.
"Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region," says Foreign Ministry.
Islamabad also expressed its "complete support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity" of Somalia. / Reuters
Pakistan condemned Israel’s recognition of the breakaway Somaliland region, calling the move "provocative and illegal."
Islamabad "strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia" and rejects Israel recognising the independence of "the so-called Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia," said a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
"Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region," the ministry added.
The ministry urged the international community to step in to reject any such actions and "prevent and deter Israel from undermining the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the broader region."
Islamabad "strongly condemns any attempts to undermine the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia" and rejects Israel recognising the independence of "the so-called Somaliland region of the Federal Republic of Somalia," said a statement from the Foreign Ministry on Saturday.
"Such illegal and provocative actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law and not only threaten the peace and stability of the brotherly country of Somalia, but also that of the entire region," the ministry added.
The ministry urged the international community to step in to reject any such actions and "prevent and deter Israel from undermining the ongoing efforts for peace and stability in the broader region."
RelatedTRT World - Türkiye denounces Israel's Somaliland recognition as unlawful, destabilising
Islamabad also expressed its "complete support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity" of Somalia.
The remarks follow an announcement on Thursday, in which Israel became the first UN member state to formally recognise Somaliland as an independent state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move was in the “spirit of the Abraham Accords,” citing cooperation in agriculture, technology, and regional security.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 and has operated as a de facto state for more than three decades but had not previously received formal recognition from any UN member state.
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