UN Security Council divided over Israel’s recognition of Somaliland

United Nations Security Council Divided Over Israel's Recognition of Somaliland

The United Nations Security Council is currently experiencing significant division following Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This decision has drawn criticism from several Council members and has led to an emergency meeting in New York.

Concerns have been raised that this recognition could potentially destabilize the Horn of Africa and have broader implications, including for Palestinians in Gaza. Despite these concerns, Israel has stated it will not reverse its decision.

During the meeting, Israel's Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Jonathan Miller, defended the decision. He stated that the move aligns with international law and political reality. Miller noted that Somaliland's history of sovereignty, over thirty years of effective self-governance, and its capability to function as a responsible international partner fulfill the legal criteria for recognition. He emphasized that Israel's foreign policy is in accordance with established facts on the ground.

Somalia has rejected Israel's recognition, citing it as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Somalia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, criticized Israel's stance, accusing its envoy of misrepresenting Somali history and discussing issues such as humanity, democracy, and human rights. He described the recognition as both insulting and politically motivated.

Israel is the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared republic that separated from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government after a civil war. While Somaliland has maintained relative stability and established its own governing institutions for over three decades, it has not been recognized by the international community.

Based on reporting by Africanews.