The United Nations Security Council has decided to call an emergency meeting on Monday over Israel’s decision to give formal recognition to Somaliland. This move has created a stir in international politics and especially Somalia, African countries and Arab countries have expressed strong opposition to it. This decision has come at a time when Somalia is going to take over the rotating presidency of the United Nations Security Council in a few days, which has deepened the dispute.
Israel recognized Somaliland for the first time
Israel announced on Friday that it officially recognizes Somaliland. This is the first time that a UN member state has formally recognized Somaliland. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move is part of Israel’s policy of expanding diplomatic reach in the region and is in line with the spirit of the Abraham Accords. However, after this decision, many countries have called it a violation of international rules and have strongly criticized it.
Criticism from the EU and other countries
The European Union has supported Somalia’s unity and sovereignty while criticizing Israel’s decision in the Security Council. The EU said that respecting the territorial integrity of Somalia is essential for peace and stability in the entire Horn of Africa region. Furthermore, it has appealed for a negotiated solution between Somaliland and the federal government of Somalia.
Protest from Egypt, Türkiye and other countries
This decision of Israel has been condemned by many countries including Egypt, Türkiye, Gulf Cooperation Council, Saudi Arabia and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. America also distanced itself from Israel’s decision and clearly said that it recognizes the territorial integrity of Somalia, which also includes Somaliland. The US State Department made it clear that Washington would stick to its old policy and respect Somalia’s sovereignty.
Somaliland’s claim of independence
Somaliland declared itself independent from Somalia in 1991, but is still not recognized internationally. Somalia has termed Israel’s move as an attack on its sovereignty. Somalia’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar said his government would never accept the decision and would use all diplomatic channels to protest against it. He has appealed to Israel to follow international law and withdraw this decision.
International disputes and Security Council meeting
Due to this dispute, an emergency meeting has been called in the United Nations Security Council, where this issue will be discussed. This meeting could prove to be an important moment for Somalia, as it will soon assume the rotating presidency of the Security Council. In this meeting it will be decided what impact this step of Israel will have on international politics and whether it can be justified legally.
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