Somalia's president slams Israeli 'aggression' from Gaza to the Horn of Africa

DOHA — Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud denounced Israel’s controversial recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, calling the move a "clear violation of international law" that undermines African unity and regional stability.

The remarks, made during the Al Jazeera Forum in the Qatari capital, follow Israel’s decision in late December to become the first U.N. member state to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign nation.

"Israel’s interference in Somalia’s sovereignty is unacceptable," Mohamud said. "Africa rejects any attempt to change borders through the use of force or unilateral actions."

Somaliland, situated on the Gulf of Aden, declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991 but has lacked international recognition for decades. Somalia maintains that the northern territory is an integral part of its country and that the federal government in Mogadishu must authorize all international agreements regarding the region.

President Mohamud also tied the diplomatic rift to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, describing Israeli military actions there as an "unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe." He warned that the international system is facing a "serious test" and that allowing the rule of law to be overridden by force could lead to global instability.

The Somali leader argued that the failure to reach a two-state solution for the Palestinian issue continues to threaten international peace.

"If the international community does not take a firm stance against such violations, the world could be pushed into deeper crises," Mohamud said.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government announced the recognition of Somaliland as being "in the spirit of the Abraham Accords," citing potential for cooperation in technology and agriculture. However, the move has sparked widespread condemnation from the African Union and several Arab nations, who view it as a destabilizing factor in the volatile Horn of Africa.

Mohamud also emphasized that Somalia remains focused on its fight against terrorism and noted that security in the Red Sea is vital for global trade.

GAROWE ONLINE