Saudi Arabia rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland and supports Mogadishu
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its firm rejection of the declaration of mutual recognition between the Israeli occupation authorities and the Somaliland region. This stance reaffirms Saudi Arabia's unwavering policy of supporting the sovereignty of the sisterly Federal Republic of Somalia and its commitment to its unity and territorial integrity against any attempts at fragmentation or secession.
Details of the Saudi position
The Ministry clarified in its official statement that the Kingdom views the move of mutual recognition as an endorsement of unilateral separatist actions, which constitutes a clear violation of the principles of international law and conventions that respect the sovereignty and independence of states. The Kingdom emphasized its categorical rejection of any attempts to impose parallel entities that contradict the national unity of Somalia, affirming its full support for the legitimate institutions of the Somali state.
Context of the crisis and the situation in the Horn of Africa
This Saudi stance comes at a sensitive time for the Horn of Africa, where the self-declared Republic of Somaliland – which unilaterally seceded from Somalia in 1991 without widespread international recognition – is seeking international legitimacy through various channels. The federal government in Mogadishu considers any direct diplomatic engagement with the region a violation of its sovereignty and interference in its internal affairs. Israel's entry into the arena of recognizing Somaliland represents an escalation that raises concerns about regional stability and the balance of power.
The importance of Saudi support for Somalia
Saudi support for Somalia carries significant strategic and political importance, given the Kingdom's weight in the Arab and Islamic worlds. The Kingdom has consistently provided political, humanitarian, and developmental support to Somalia to help it overcome decades of turmoil. Saudi Arabia's rejection of this move is interpreted as a clear message to the international community about the need to respect the sovereignty of Arab states and to refrain from tampering with the security of the Red Sea and the Horn of Africa, which constitute a strategic depth for Arab national security.
A call to maintain regional stability
The Kingdom concluded its statement by emphasizing its deep concern for the security and stability of Somalia and its brotherly people, warning of the negative repercussions of such separatist movements, which could exacerbate conflicts in the region rather than resolve them. Riyadh consistently calls for prioritizing dialogue and supporting the Federal Government to enable it to extend its authority over all Somali territory, thereby ensuring regional and international security and stability.
