Turkiye’s Erdogan calls Israel’s Somaliland recognition ‘unacceptable’

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the president of Turkey, has criticized Israel’s decision to grant Somaliland the title of sovereign state, calling it “illegitimate and unacceptable.”

Erdogan warned that Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somalia could destabilize the Horn of Africa at a press conference held on Tuesday in Ankara with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud.

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He continued, noting that Turkiye and Somalia’s continued cooperation in energy was bolstering in light of promising joint offshore exploration efforts.

“We believe that maintaining Somalia’s unity and integrity under all circumstances is of particular importance. Erdogan remarked that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is unlawful and unacceptable.

“Our Palestinian brothers and sisters have died as a result of the Netanyahu government.” In response to Israel’s genocidal war against Gaza, he continued, “it is now trying to destabilize the Horn of Africa as well” he added.

Last Friday, Israel formally recognized Somaliland as the first and only nation, citing the Abraham Accords, which established a level of normalcy between Israel and several Arab countries.

Illegal aggression

Following the demise of the central government following a civil war, Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991. It hasn’t gained international recognition despite maintaining its own currency, passport, and army.

Mohamud criticized Israel for “illegal aggression” while referring to the recognition as breaking the United Nations Charter and African Union agreements.

He later told Al Jazeera in an interview that “Israel is exporting its problems to Gaza and Palestine, and it is trying to divert the attention of the entire world, including the Arab and Islamic world.”

In Somalia, Israel will use force to accompanies Palestinians. Additionally, it wants to have control over strategically significant waterways that link crucial maritime areas, both economically and economically, between the Gulf and the Red Sea.

Destabilizing Africa

Mohamud warned that the decision would have long-term effects abroad, and that Somalia could become the first country to become unstable under the Horn of Africa.

He made reference to Turkiye’s previous mediating capacity with Somalia and Somaliland and supports efforts to end the conflict peacefully.

Independent researcher Abdinor Dahir claimed that Turkiye has actively financed Somalia by facilitating negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland and supporting its political process.

He told Al Jazeera that Israel’s recognition “threatens Turkiye’s economic interests” and its presence in the nation and “poses a direct challenge to Somalia’s sovereignty.”

Dahir warned that Somalia’s efforts to improve security, which have included years of civil war, and continue to fight armed groups like al-Shabab and ISIL (ISIS), may be undermined.