East African Leaders Unite to Defend Somalia’s Sovereignty After Israel Recognizes Somaliland

MOGADISHU, Somalia — Leaders of several East African countries have voiced strong support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, a move Mogadishu has condemned as illegal.

Presidents from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Djibouti reaffirmed their backing for the unity and independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia, according to a statement released Saturday by the Somali presidency.

The regional leaders said any recognition of a territory belonging to a United Nations member state constitutes a clear violation of the U.N. Charter, the African Union’s principle of respect for territorial integrity, and established international law.

The statement said Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud held telephone consultations with Kenyan President William Ruto, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh. The discussions focused on Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, which Somalia considers a region within its internationally recognized borders.

Somalia’s government stated that the move undermines the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and poses a threat to regional stability.

President Mohamud stated that he would continue consultations with regional and global leaders to coordinate diplomatic, legal, and political efforts aimed at safeguarding Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and national cohesion.

On Friday, Somalia’s Cabinet held an emergency meeting chaired by the prime minister, strongly condemning Israel’s decision and reiterating that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

GAROWE ONLINE