The Arab League condemns Israel's recognition of Somaliland: serious repercussions
The General Secretariat of the League of Arab States expressed its strong condemnation and categorical rejection of the news and actions related to Israel’s recognition of the “Somaliland” region as an independent state, considering that this step represents a flagrant violation of international law and the Charter of the United Nations, and a direct attack on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.
A firm Arab stance towards the unity of Somalia
The Arab League affirmed in its statement that any infringement upon the territorial integrity of Somalia constitutes a red line for Arab national security. It emphasized that Somaliland is an integral part of Somali national territory, and that any attempt to grant international legitimacy to secession through Israeli channels is a hostile act aimed at weakening the Arab state and destabilizing the Horn of Africa region. The League called upon all states and international organizations to respect Somalia's sovereignty and refrain from any actions that could exacerbate internal conflicts.
Historical context of the crisis
The roots of this issue go back to 1991, when the northern region of Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence following the collapse of the central government and the regime of Siad Barre. Despite the region's success in building government institutions, holding elections, and maintaining relative stability compared to the south, it has not received any formal international recognition from the United Nations or the African Union, both of which adhere to the principle of preserving colonial-era borders to prevent the continent's disintegration.
Strategic dimensions and Israeli intervention
Observers believe that Israel's interest in the Horn of Africa is not a recent development, but rather part of a broader strategy to "strengthen its influence" and secure vital waterways. Somaliland occupies a strategically vital location overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, a crucial passage for global trade and shipping to and from Israel via the Red Sea. Israel's rapprochement with the breakaway region aims to establish a military and intelligence foothold in this sensitive area, particularly given the escalating tensions in the Red Sea.
Serious regional and international repercussions
This recognition is expected to cast a dark shadow over the regional landscape, inevitably straining relations between Israel and Arab states opposed to the partition, most notably Egypt, which considers Somalia's security an integral part of its own national security, linked to the Nile River and the Red Sea. Furthermore, this move could embolden other separatist movements across the African continent, threatening international peace and security. Diplomatic circles fear that the Horn of Africa could become an arena for settling international scores by proxy, hindering development and counterterrorism efforts in Somalia.
