Widespread Global Condemnation Erupts Over Zionist Entity’s Recognition of Somaliland
A wave of regional and international condemnation followed the Zionist entity’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state, which was described as an act of hostility against the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia.The African Union (AU) condemned the recognition of Somaliland, a territory of Somalia, said AU Commission Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf.
“The Chairperson of the Commission unequivocally reaffirms the longstanding and consistent position of the African Union, grounded in the principles enshrined in the Constitutive Act of the African Union, in particular the respect for the intangibility of borders inherited at independence,” the communiqué said.
Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for the EU’s Foreign Affairs, said that the coalition “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia in accordance with its constitution and the charters of the African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN).” “This is essential for ensuring peace and stability across the entire Horn of Africa region,” he added.
The foreign ministers of 21 Arab and Islamic countries, along with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), issued a joint communiqué on Saturday reaffirming their categorical rejection of the declaration. They warned that this unprecedented move carries serious repercussions for peace and security in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region, as well as for international peace and security, and reflects the Zionist entity’s disregard for international law.
They added that “the recognition of parts of sovereign states constitutes a dangerous precedent that threatens international peace and security and violates the cardinal principles of international law,” emphasizing an “outright rejection of any potential link or attempts to forcibly expel the Palestinian people from their land.” Somalia’s permanent representative to the Arab League, Ambassador Ali Abdi Aware, described the recognition as “a hostile and provocative act that we categorically reject,” adding that it constitutes “a blatant and unprecedented violation of international law, United Nations resolutions, and the charters of the Arab League and the African Union.” He stressed that Somaliland constitutes an integral part of Somalia’s territory, and that its national unity is not subject to negotiation or dismantling.
For his part, Somali Prime mInister Abdi Barre, in a statement to the Somali National News Agency (SONNA), asserted that this recognition “holds no legal standing,” emphasizing that “Somalia is an independent, sovereign state with internationally recognized borders,” and that any infringement upon its sovereignty or territorial integrity is considered “illegal and a blatant violation of national unity and the principles of international law.” He warned that the “reckless” position taken by the Zionist entity may be “part of a broader pursuit to establish a foothold in the Horn of Africa and exert control over the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.” He cautioned that such ambitions pose a direct threat to the lives and security of citizens, particularly in Somalia’s northern regions.
China also strongly opposed the official recognition of Somaliland as a “sovereign independent state” by the Zionist entity, as well as its intention to “establish diplomatic relations” with the so-called “Somaliland,” stated spokesperson of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lin Jian on Monday, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.
Speaking at a press briefing, Lin Jian reiterated China’s support for “the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Somalia,” opposing any initiative that undermines its territorial integrity.
The Council of the League of the Arab States, in a communiqué issued following its emergency meeting of permanent representatives, described the recognition of the so-called “Somaliland” as “an act of hostility against Arab national security that could destabilize international peace and security,” stressing that Northern Somalia is an integral part of the Republic of Somalia.
The Council also reaffirmed “Somalia’s legitimate right to defend its territories under Article 51 of the UN Charter and the related provisions of the Charter of the League of Arab States,” pledging support to Somalia in any measures it takes to counter this attempted assault within the framework of international legitimacy.
Sweden expressed, on Monday, its support for the unity and sovereignty of Somalia, following Zionist recognition of Somaliland, according to media outlets.
In line with the EU, AU and relevant regional organizations, Sweden upholds the principles of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity’, the Swedish Foreign Ministry said in a social media post.
For its part, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) will hold an emergency meeting on Monday to discuss the political and legal implications of the Zionist entity’s declaration recognizing “Somaliland.” The meeting comes in response to an urgent request submitted by the Federal Government of Somalia, which called the Zionist move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
