Condemnation of Saar's visit to Somaliland: Arab anger and support for Mogadishu's sovereignty
The visit by Israeli politician Gideon Sa’ar to the “Somaliland” region sparked a massive wave of condemnation and denunciation in Arab and Islamic circles, as regional and international organizations considered this step a blatant violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and a transgression of diplomatic norms and international law.
The position of the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation
Both the Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) expressed their categorical rejection of the visit, describing it as “illegal.” Statements issued by these bodies affirmed that any contact with the Somaliland region must be conducted through the official channels of the Federal Government in Mogadishu, as it is the sole legitimate representative of the Somali state in international forums. The condemnations emphasized that such unilateral actions aim to undermine Somalia’s unity and fuel internal conflicts at a time when the country is striving to strengthen its security and political stability.
The historical and political context of Somaliland
To understand the dimensions of this tension, one must consider the historical background of Somaliland, which unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. Despite enjoying relative stability and a functioning political system, the region has not received international recognition as an independent state, and the international community, including the United Nations and the African Union, continues to treat it as an integral part of Somali territory. The Somali government considers any direct diplomatic engagement with the region without its authorization an infringement on its national sovereignty.
Geopolitical dimensions and Israeli interests
This visit comes amid ongoing Israeli efforts to bolster its influence in the Horn of Africa, a region of paramount strategic importance due to its location overlooking the Bab el-Mandeb Strait and the Red Sea—both vital waterways for global trade and maritime navigation. Observers believe that Israel's engagement with internationally unrecognized entities in the region may aim to establish a security and military foothold, a move that has alarmed Arab and African states, which fear the militarization of the Red Sea and the threat it poses to Arab national security.
The repercussions of the visit and its impact on regional stability
This move is expected to exacerbate diplomatic tensions in the region, as Arab states view with concern attempts to circumvent international legitimacy and deepen divisions within crisis-stricken Arab countries. Analysts emphasize that supporting separatist movements or treating them as independent entities sets a dangerous precedent that threatens the stability of other countries on the African continent. This incident reaffirms the unwavering Arab and Islamic stance in support of Somalia's unity and its rejection of any schemes aimed at fracturing its national fabric or exploiting its internal circumstances for external gains.
