UN Security Council condemns Israels recognition of Somaliland territory

United Nations Security Council Holds Emergency Meeting Over Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland

A meeting was convened at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in New York City on Monday, following Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. Somalia’s UN ambassador, Abu Bakr Dahir Osman, addressed the council, stating that his country is concerned about the implications of this move.

Osman expressed concerns that the recognition may be part of a plan to force Palestinians from Gaza to relocate to the northwestern region of Somalia. He urged members to reject Israel’s “act of aggression,” which he said threatens to fragment Somalia and destabilize the wider Horn of Africa and Red Sea regions.

Fourteen of the 15 council members condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, with the United States defending Israel’s action but stopping short of following its lead. The US deputy representative to the UN, Tammy Bruce, stated that “Israel has the same right to establish diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state.”

Other countries expressed concerns about the implications for Palestinians, including the Arab League and Pakistan. China and the United Kingdom also rejected the move, with China’s UN envoy saying his country opposes any act to split Somalia’s territory.

The US did not change its position on Somaliland, despite defending Israel’s decision. Some non-members of the UNSC also requested to speak, including South Africa, which reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in line with international law.

The meeting was called after Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as an independent state last week.

Source: Al Jazeera