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Türkiye's permanent representative to the United Nations sharply criticized Israel's recognition of Somaliland on Monday, calling the unprecedented move a violation of international law that threatens regional stability and Somalia's territorial integrity.
Ahmet Yildiz addressed an emergency U.N. Security Council session convened after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Dec. 26 that Israel would recognize the breakaway region as an independent and sovereign state, making Israel the only country in the world to do so.
Yildiz described the decision as "another example of the Netanyahu government's unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both the regional and global levels," adding that such conduct "cannot be normalized, ignored or excused."
The Turkish envoy said the recognition constitutes a clear violation of international law and the U.N. Charter, directly undermining principles of sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference. He warned that the announcement poses a threat to international peace and security, particularly risking fragmentation and instability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region.
Yildiz characterized Israel's action as explicit intervention in Somalia's internal affairs, emphasizing that decisions regarding Somalia and the Somaliland region "should and will be taken by the Somalis alone."
He also rejected what he described as Israel's efforts to continue expansionist policies while blocking recognition of a Palestinian state, suggesting the Somaliland decision fits a broader pattern of undermining established international norms.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following years of civil conflict, but has never received international recognition as an independent state. The region, located in northwestern Somalia, has maintained its own government, currency, and security forces for over three decades.
Somalia's federal government in Mogadishu continues to view Somaliland as an integral part of the country and maintains that only the central government has authority over international agreements involving any Somali territory.
Yildiz reiterated Türkiye's "full and unwavering support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia over its entire territory" and rejected any measures aimed at undermining Somalia's unity or its internationally recognized borders.
He called on the Security Council to fulfill its responsibilities under the U.N. Charter and urged all U.N. member states to explicitly reject Israel's announcement recognizing Somaliland's independence.
Türkiye has maintained close ties with Somalia's federal government and has been active in supporting the country's fight against al-Shabaab terrorism and its broader stabilization efforts.
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