The move by Israel to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state has drawn strong responses from some European powers, some African states, and the Middle East. As mixed reactions unfolds, the EU has called on Somaliland to remain safe, even as the state of Somalia vows to protect its sovereignty.
The European Union has demanded Somalia’s territorial integrity after Israel became the first nation to officially recognize the breakaway state of Somaliland as a country. The Israeli action has been condemned internationally, with many African and Middle East countries insisting that Somalia borders cannot be changed in a unilateral manner.
EU foreign affairs spokesperson Anouar El Anouni declared that the bloc reiterates the need to respect the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. In a statement that, Anouar El Anouni reiterated that, respecting Somalia territorial integrity is vital towards peace and stability of the Horn of Africa. El Anouni further added that the EU promotes constructive dialogue between the Federal Government of Somalia and Somaliland in order to settle an old score.
Somalia condemned the Israeli announcement, terming the what she terming the aggression as illegal. Somalia government has responded with anger to the Israel’s announcement and termed it as a direct attack against its sovereignty.
Mogadishu officials have vowed to initiate diplomatic and legal action, against what they termed as an illegal and a deliberate effort to legitimize secession.
Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud accused Israel of violating international norms, insisting that Somaliland remains an integral part of Somalia.
