Egypt Slams Israel’s Somaliland Envoy as “Flagrant Violation” of Law

ANTALYA, Turkey — Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Saturday reiterated Cairo’s firm condemnation of Israel’s recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland, describing the move and the subsequent appointment of a diplomatic envoy as a “flagrant violation” of international law.

The remarks were made during a high-level meeting with Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on the sidelines of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum. The discussions come as Egypt significantly ramps up its political and military support for Mogadishu amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa.Egypt Slams Israel’s Somaliland Envoy as “Flagrant Violation” of Law

Acting on directives from President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi, Abdelatty stressed that Egypt remains committed to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. He noted that Cairo rejects any unilateral measures that undermine the Somali state, particularly following Israel’s December 2025 decision to recognize Somaliland—the first UN member state to do so since the region’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991.

“Stability in Somalia remains critical to the security of the Horn of Africa and is closely linked to Egypt’s national security,” Abdelatty said, underlining Cairo’s pledge to support Mogadishu across military, security, and humanitarian sectors.

The meeting highlighted a rapid deepening of bilateral ties. Since early 2025, the two nations have upgraded their relationship to a strategic partnership, marked by the relocation of Egypt’s embassy to Mogadishu, the launch of direct EgyptAir flights, and a significant military cooperation protocol signed in August 2024.

Abdelatty also emphasized the importance of securing sustainable funding for the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). The statement comes as Egyptian forces prepare for deployment as part of the mission, a move seen as a counterbalance to regional rivals and a boost to Somalia’s counterterrorism efforts.

President Mohamud expressed his appreciation for Egypt’s consistent support, affirming Somalia’s commitment to expanding cooperation that serves mutual interests.

The diplomatic fallout over Israel’s engagement with Somaliland has heightened tensions across the region. While Israel has moved to operationalize ties—including a visit by Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar to Hargeisa in early 2026—the African Union and United Nations continue to recognize Somaliland only as an integral part of Somalia.

In addition to security cooperation, the Egyptian minister called for boosting trade between the two nations, specifically eyeing expanded exports of Egyptian pharmaceuticals and industrial products to Somali markets.

GAROWE ONLINE