Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the African Union (AU) and several other countries have rejected Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland as an independent state, warning that the move violates international law and undermines Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Israel on Friday became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991 following a civil war.
Until now, Somaliland had not been recognised by any United Nations member state despite operating a separate administration with its own institutions.
The announcement triggered swift condemnation across Africa and the Middle East.
Somalia described Israel’s action as a direct assault on its sovereignty.
Ali Omar, Somalia’s state minister for foreign affairs, said the government would deploy all available diplomatic channels to challenge the recognition.
“This will never be acceptable or tolerable to our government and people, who are united in defending our territorial integrity,” Mr Omar told Al Jazeera, urging Israel to rescind the decision and comply with international law.
He further accused Israel of pursuing recognition of Somaliland as part of a broader strategy linked to the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza—an allegation Israel has previously denied.
Qatar joined the condemnation on Saturday, describing Israel’s move as a “dangerous precedent and unilateral measure” that contravenes international law and threatens Somalia’s unity.
In a statement, Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it rejected any attempt to establish “parallel entities” that undermine Somalia’s sovereignty, reaffirming Doha’s full support for the Somali government and people.
Qatar added that Israel should instead recognise the State of Palestine and work towards ending the war in Gaza.
Saudi Arabia also rejected Israel’s decision, warning that it entrenched “unilateral separatist measures that violate international law.”
Riyadh reaffirmed its support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and legitimate institutions.
The African Union similarly dismissed Israel’s recognition, cautioning that it could set a dangerous precedent across the continent.
The AU reiterated its long-standing principle on the inviolability of borders inherited at independence, stressing that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
Turkey described the move as unlawful and destabilising, accusing Israel of direct interference in Somalia’s internal affairs.
Sudan and Egypt also issued statements condemning the decision and warning of its implications for regional stability.
Egypt said its foreign minister had consulted with counterparts in Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti to coordinate opposition to the move.
The United States has so far stopped short of endorsing Israel’s decision.
President Donald Trump told The New York Post that Washington was “studying” the issue.
Palestine’s foreign ministry also backed Somalia, recalling past Israeli discussions that mentioned Somaliland as a possible destination for forcibly displaced Palestinians from Gaza, which it described as a “red line.”
Defending the recognition, Somaliland President Abdirahman Abdullahi, known as Cirro, said the decision was not directed against any country and posed no threat to regional peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the move aligned with the spirit of the Abraham Accords and confirmed he would raise Somaliland’s case with President Trump