In the document, it is emphasized that the EU considers the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a crucial condition for ensuring peace and stability in the Horn of Africa region. Furthermore, Brussels has called for a constructive dialogue between the federal government of Somalia and Somaliland to resolve long-standing disputes within the framework of the country's Constitution and the statutes of the African Union and the United Nations.
Since declaring independence in 1991, Somaliland has effectively functioned as an independent state, but the international community continues to regard it as part of Somalia.
On December 26, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi signed a declaration of mutual recognition, making Israel the first country to officially recognize this entity.
Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud described Israel's decision as "illegal aggression," noting that interference in the country's affairs contradicts international legal and diplomatic norms. He made the corresponding statement on the social network X.
Experts emphasize that Somaliland's access to the Red Sea could provide Israel with important logistical and strategic advantages in the region.
Israel's decision has been condemned by neighboring countries such as Egypt, Djibouti, Turkey, and Somalia. Overall, this move has faced criticism from more than 50 countries, according to media reports.
