Somalia: Puntland Reacts to Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

GAROWE, Somalia — Puntland state, in northeastern Somalia, has for the first time publicly responded to Israel’s recent decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, reaffirming its commitment to Somali unity and rejecting moves toward further fragmentation.

Puntland Minister of Information, Mahamud Aydid Dirir, said the federal state remains committed to the principles on which it was founded and will continue to support a functioning Somali federal government. He emphasized that Puntland does not endorse the division of Somalia, describing Israel’s recognition as politically motivated by foreign interests.

The reaction comes amid strong condemnation from the Somali federal government. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud warned that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland could destabilize the Horn of Africa, potentially exporting regional conflicts to Somalia.

“We have never attacked Israel. We have never created problems for Israel. We don’t want Israel to come to us and bring their problems to us,” Mohamud told Turkish broadcaster TRT World.

The Somali president described the recognition as a “very sad situation” and called for respect for international law, noting that the move violates Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted that the international community, including the United Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), East African Community, Arab League, and Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has publicly affirmed support for Somalia’s unity.

Puntland’s minister of information remarks, combined with the federal government’s condemnation, underscores deep concerns., combined with the federal government’s condemnation, underscores deep concerns that unilateral foreign recognition of Somaliland threatens Somalia’s territorial integrity, risks inflaming clan tensions, and undermines ongoing efforts toward national reconciliation.

GAROWE ONLINE