Nigeria, Arab Countries Reject Israel’s Recognition of Somaliland as Independent State

Nigeria and several Arab nations have affirmed that they only recognise Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and reject any actions that undermine its territorial integrity.

Nigeria’s position is contained in a statement issued by the ministry of foreign affairs on Saturday, hours after Israel formally recognised Somaliland as an independent nation, becoming the first country to do so.

Somaliland broke away from Somalia in 1991, following a decade-long war of independence led by the Somali National Movement (SNM) against Siad Barre’s regime.

Despite functioning with its own government, currency, and military and holding elections, Somaliland lacks widespread international recognition as an independent state. Most countries and the United Nations (UN) continue to view it as part of Somalia.

Somalia has also never accepted Somaliland’s independence.

In the statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienta, spokesperson of Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs, the federal government declared firm and unequivocal support for Somalia’s sovereignty, unity, and statehood.

“Nigeria recognises the Government of Somalia as the legitimate authority representing the Somali people and commends its continued efforts to achieve peace, security, and national reconciliation amidst significant challenges,” the statement reads.

“We believe that the stability of Somalia is integral to the peace and security of the entire Horn of Africa region and the African continent at large.”

Nigeria urged international actors to desist from recognising any part of the territory of Somalia as an independent entity, adding that such actions would only escalate the crisis.

The call was later re-echoed in a joint statement issued by Jordan, Egypt, Algeria, Comoros, Djibouti, Gambia, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Libya, Maldives, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Turkey, Yemen, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

The countries warned that a recognition of parts of states constitutes a serious precedent, threatens international peace and security, and violates the cardinal principles of international law and the UN charter.

Earlier, Hamza Abdi Barre, Somalia’s prime minister, said his country categorically and unequivocally rejects what he calls a deliberate attack by Israel on its sovereignty.