The UN Security Council and the Arab League are going to hold separate meetings this week on the repercussions of Israel’s formal recognition of the Somali breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state.
The Council of the Arab League is set to convene for an emergency meeting on Sunday at the regional organization’s headquarters in Cairo.
The meeting comes in response to a request by Somalia’s permanent representative to the Arab League, as part of collective Arab efforts to address what the Somali government has labeled an unprecedented action by Israel, deemed a clear violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has also raised concerns about the potential impact on stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
The Arab League meeting is anticipated to discuss potential responses to the decision, focusing on collaboration with regional and international organizations.
It aims to reinforce the unwavering Arab stance supporting Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity, while opposing any unilateral actions that might jeopardize regional stability.
The United Nations Security Council is set to hold a similar emergency session on Monday evening.
The meeting will be convened under the agenda item titled “Threats to international peace and security.”
On Saturday, Somalia called on Israel to revoke its recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, condemning the move as an act of “aggression that will never be tolerated.”
Ali Omar, Somalia’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated that the government would utilize every possible diplomatic channel to contest what it views as an act of state aggression and unwarranted Israeli involvement in the nation’s internal matters.
“This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people who are united in defending our territorial integrity,” Omar said. “Our government strongly advises [Israel] to rescind its divisive actions and abide by international law.”
Omar explained that the strategic significance of the Horn of Africa was fueling foreign interference and attracting widespread interest.
“The importance of this region isn’t new. It is still important for international trade today,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Friday that Israel and Somaliland have finalized a joint declaration to establish full diplomatic relations. He characterized the move as being aligned with the principles of the so-called Abraham Accords.
Somaliland proclaimed its independence from Somalia in 1991; however, it has not achieved formal recognition from any member state of the United Nations. The territory governs the northwestern segment of the area formerly known as the British Protectorate in northern Somalia.
Somalia has never accepted Somaliland’s independence.
