Mogadishu, Somalia / Cairo, Egypt — Somaliland The Horn of Africa is facing its most significant diplomatic tremor in decades. Following Israel’s historic decision yesterday to become the first nation to formally recognize the “Republic of Somaliland” as a sovereign state, the Federal Government of Somalia has launched a fierce counter-offensive.
Today, Somalia officially requested an emergency meeting with the Arab League and the African Union to condemn what it describes as a “provocative step and a blatant violation of international law.” In Mogadishu, the mood is one of betrayal; the government argues that recognizing the northern breakaway region undermines Somalia’s territorial integrity and sets a “dangerous precedent” for secessionist movements across the continent.
Adding a layer of complexity, U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking from his Florida resort, has already distanced himself from the move. Trump questioned the timing of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s decision, asking, “Does anyone know what Somaliland is, really?” while stating he needs to “study the pitch” before the U.S. follows suit. Meanwhile, Qatar and Kuwait have joined Mogadishu in rejecting the deal, warning that it could destabilize the strategic Red Sea corridor.
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