This Friday, Israel recognized the independence of Somaliland, a decision rejected by the Somali government and several organizations and countries in the region.
The president of the separatist Somali region of Somaliland, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdulahi, defended this Friday that the recognition of the territory’s independence by Israel does not “represents a threat to regional peace”nor is it directed “against no State”.
“On the contrary, the clarity of the statute contributes to stability”, he stressed, in a speech recorded on video and published on social media.
Abdulahi highlighted that Somaliland “complies with legal, political and institutional criteria” to be a state “in accordance with international law”.
This Friday, Israel became the first member state of the UN , decision that was rejected by the Somali government, as well as by international organizations such as the Arab League and the African Union, and by several countries in the region, such as Turkey.
The Israeli Government had already recognized Somaliland’s independence for the first time in 1960, during the five days of the existence of the so-called State of Somaliland.
The current separatist state declared its independence in 1991 and, although it maintains certain diplomatic contacts with several countries around the world, No UN member country recognized its existence as a stateuntil now.
The president of the breakaway region said this Friday that although Somalia and Somaliland share historical and cultural ties, This does not imply the need to “political unification under a single State”since the path of unity proved to have led only to “instability, injustice and lasting harm.”
“To our regional partners, neighboring countries and the international community, we firmly assure that the recognition of Somaliland is not a threat, an act of hostility or a source of regional tension. Somaliland has been, and will continue to be, a responsible and constructive actor, committed to peace, cooperation and shared development”, he pointed out.
The president of the separatist region also addressed Islamic nations, stating that Somaliland “is a Muslim nation deeply rooted in Islamic values of moderation, justice and coexistence.”
Abdulahi also urged the international community “to collaborate with Somaliland”.
“This moment does not represent an end, but a historic and responsible beginning, guided by cooperation, regional integration, multilateralism and a shared commitment to peace”, he concluded.
With Lusa
