Egypt condemns 'Israel’s' unilateral recognition of Somaliland

• Cairo says move violates international law and threatens stability in the Horn of Africa

Egypt has strongly condemned 'Israel’s' unilateral recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, calling the move a flagrant violation of international law and a threat to regional peace and security.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Emigration, and Egyptian Expatriates’ Affairs, Egypt said it “categorically rejects all unilateral measures that undermine state sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity, and that contradict the established principles of international law and the United Nations Charter.”

Read more: Jordan completely rejects 'Israel’s' recognition of Somaliland

The ministry reiterated Egypt’s “strongest condemnation” of 'Israel’s' recognition of what it referred to as the so-called “Somaliland,” warning that the decision undermines the foundations of international peace and security and contributes to instability in the Horn of Africa.

Egypt also reaffirmed its “absolute rejection” of recognizing parallel or breakaway entities established through what it described as illegitimate and unlawful means. The statement emphasized Cairo’s full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, in line with international law and the UN Charter.

'Israel' recognizes Somaliland

'Israel' on Friday became the first United Nations member state to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent sovereign entity, following a high-level video call between 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Irro.” The two sides announced the establishment of full diplomatic relations, including ambassadorial exchanges.

Netanyahu described the move as recognition of a “political reality” that has existed for more than three decades, framing it within the context of the Abraham Accords and 'Israel’s' expanding diplomatic footprint in Africa.

Background: Somaliland’s status

Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared independence from Somalia in 1991 after the collapse of the central government. Despite maintaining its own institutions, currency, and security forces, it had not received formal international recognition until 'Israel’s' announcement.

Regional backlash

The decision prompted swift regional backlash. Somalia denounced the move as an act of aggression and a violation of international law, while Egypt, Turkey, and Djibouti issued coordinated statements rejecting the recognition and reaffirming support for Somalia’s sovereignty.

Egypt has warned that the step could destabilize security in the Red Sea region, a vital maritime corridor. Analysts say Somaliland’s strategic coastline along the Gulf of Aden, overlooking the Bab al-Mandab Strait, gives the issue broader geopolitical significance.

The African Union has yet to issue an official response, as diplomatic fallout from the decision continues to unfold across the region.