ISTANBUL

Türkiye said on Friday that Israel’s recognition of Somalia's breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent state is "unlawful."

Israel’s move "constitutes a new example of the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both regional and global levels," said Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keceli on US social media company X.

"This step by Israel, which continues its expansionist policies and spares no effort to prevent the recognition of the State of Palestine, constitutes an open interference in Somalia’s internal affairs," Keceli said.

Decisions regarding the future of Somalia and the Somaliland region must be taken in a manner that reflects the will of all Somalis, he underscored.

Türkiye attaches great importance to peace and security in the Horn of Africa and firmly supports Somalia’s territorial integrity, Keceli stressed, adding that Ankara will continue to stand by the Somali people.

Earlier today, Israel recognized Somalia’s breakaway region of Somaliland as an independent sovereign state.

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 Somalia’s sovereignty and unity.