Erdogan condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “Illegitimate”

Wednesday 31 December 2025 - 08:30

By: Sahili Aya

Erdogan condemns Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as “Illegitimate”

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has strongly criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, calling the move “illegitimate and unacceptable” and warning of its potential consequences for regional stability.

Speaking at a joint press conference in Istanbul alongside Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Erdogan stressed that Turkey considers the unity and territorial integrity of Somalia to be a fundamental principle. He accused Israel of undermining stability in the Horn of Africa through what he described as unlawful interference.

The Turkish leader also linked Israel’s decision to broader regional tensions, arguing that such actions risk fueling insecurity and political fragmentation beyond the Middle East.

Somali President Mohamud echoed these concerns, condemning the recognition of Somaliland as a violation of international law. He warned that external interference could encourage extremist narratives and worsen security conditions in Somalia and the wider region.

Israel, for its part, defended its decision, asserting its sovereign right to determine its foreign policy. Israeli officials argued that international recognition is not exclusive and pointed to the fact that many countries recognize states whose status remains disputed.

Turkey, a close ally of Somalia, has played a significant role in supporting the country’s military, economic recovery and infrastructure development since the early 1990s. Ankara has also expanded its strategic presence in East Africa, including maritime cooperation and energy exploration projects off the Somali coast.

Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has operated with its own institutions and security forces for decades. Despite its relative stability, it has remained largely unrecognized internationally, a situation that continues to shape diplomatic tensions in the region.