Türkiye Rejects Israel’s Somaliland Move: What You Need to Know

Türkiye has issued a firm diplomatic response rejecting Israel’s reported recognition of Somaliland, reaffirming its full and unconditional support for the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye, Ankara made clear that it considers Somaliland an inseparable part of Somalia’s internationally recognized territory, stressing that any unilateral recognition of sub-national administrations violates established principles of international law.

The Turkish government stated that no external actor has the legal authority to alter Somalia’s borders or political status, underscoring that such actions contradict the United Nations Charter and the African Union’s foundational principles, both of which prioritize the preservation of state sovereignty and territorial unity.

Türkiye explicitly rejected Israel’s move, describing it as legally invalid and politically destabilizing, warning that recognition of separatist entities risks inflaming tensions in the Horn of Africa and undermining ongoing state-building and security efforts.

The statement also reaffirmed Ankara’s long-standing commitment to Somalia, highlighting Türkiye’s role as a key strategic partner in security cooperation, humanitarian assistance, infrastructure development, and institutional capacity-building over the past decade. Turkish officials emphasized that Ankara will continue to work exclusively with Somalia’s legitimate federal institutions in Mogadishu.

Somaliland, which declared unilateral independence in 1991, has never received recognition from the United Nations, African Union, or any major multilateral body. Somalia’s federal government maintains that the region’s status can only be resolved through constitutional, legal, and nationally inclusive processes.

Türkiye’s latest position places it alongside a growing list of regional and international actors rejecting any attempt to legitimize separatism in Somalia. The statement sends a clear diplomatic signal that Ankara views Somalia’s unity as a non-negotiable pillar of regional stability.

By firmly opposing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, Türkiye has reinforced its image as one of Somalia’s most consistent international allies. At a time of heightened geopolitical pressure, Ankara’s stance strengthens Somalia’s diplomatic front and underscores a broader international commitment to defending sovereign borders against unilateral and unlawful recognition efforts.