Sweden backs Somalia’s unity after Israeli recognition of Somaliland

ISTANBUL

Sweden on Monday voiced support for Somalia's unity and sovereignty following Israeli recognition of the breakaway Somali territory of Somaliland.

"In line with the EU, the AU and relevant regional bodies, Sweden upholds the principles of Somalia’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Swedish Foreign Ministry wrote on US social media platform X.

The EU over the weekend also said it “reaffirms the importance of respecting the unity, the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia,” in line with its constitution and the charters of the African Union and the UN.

The bloc also called for "meaningful dialogue" between Somaliland and the Federal Government of Somalia "to resolve long-standing differences.”

Israel became the world’s first country on Friday to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state, sparking an international chorus of rejection of the move by numerous countries in Africa and the Middle East, including Türkiye, which was also part of Saturday's statement released by Qatar.

Somaliland, which has lacked official recognition since declaring independence from Somalia in 1991, operates as a de facto independent administrative, political, and security entity, with the central government unable to assert control over the region and its leadership unable to secure international recognition of independence.

The Somali government refuses to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, considers it an integral part of its territory, and views any direct deals or engagement with it as a violation of the country's sovereignty and unity.