Saudi Arabia affirms Somalia's sovereignty and rejects Israeli plans in the Horn of Africa
In a firm stance reflecting its unwavering commitment to the causes of the Arab and Islamic nations, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its categorical support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia. This reaffirmation came in response to the announcement by the Israeli occupation authorities regarding their recognition of the "Somaliland" region, a move Riyadh considered a blatant violation of international law and a direct threat to the stability of the Horn of Africa region.
A blatant violation of international law
The Kingdom clarified that the Israeli action constitutes a violation of the UN Charter and established principles of international law, which stipulate respect for the sovereignty of states and non-interference in their internal affairs. Riyadh emphasized that the region of Somaliland is an integral part of the Somali state and possesses no legal authority to conclude international agreements or exercise sovereign powers, which are the exclusive prerogative of the Federal Government in Mogadishu.
Historical background and context of the crisis
This Saudi stance comes at a sensitive time for the region, as the region of Somaliland unilaterally declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government. However, it has not received official international recognition from the United Nations or the Arab League. The Kingdom and the international community view Israel's attempts to exploit this separatist situation as part of a strategy aimed at deepening divisions within Arab and African states to serve its own interests.
Red Sea and Horn of Africa security
Saudi Arabia's rejection is not limited to legal considerations; it extends to geopolitical risks. Israeli recognition threatens Arab and African national security in a highly sensitive region. Somalia and its northern region overlook strategic waterways controlling the entrance to the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, vital arteries for global trade and energy supplies. The Kingdom warns that transforming this region into an Israeli sphere of influence will militarize these waterways and threaten maritime safety, negatively impacting the global economy.
A call to stay away from suspicious agendas
The Kingdom sent an implicit message to the Somaliland region, urging it to prioritize national interests and refrain from engaging in dubious projects led by Israel, which is known for its tendency to destabilize the region. It indicated that aligning itself with the occupying entity would isolate the region from its Arab, Islamic, and African surroundings, and put it at odds with the aspirations of the unified Somali people.
unified international position
The Kingdom concluded its position by calling on the international community and sisterly and friendly countries to take a unified stance rejecting these unilateral actions, stressing that supporting the Somali Federal Government is the only way to ensure the restoration of security and stability and to combat terrorism in that vital region of the world.
