Egypt has issued a sharp condemnation following Israel’s official recognition of the self-proclaimed state of Somaliland, calling the move a “flagrant violation” of Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity.
During a virtual session of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty warned that Tel Aviv would bear full responsibility for the destabilizing consequences of this decision in the Horn of Africa.
The diplomatic rift follows a high-profile visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to the territory, occurring less than two weeks after the formal recognition announcement. Minister Abdelatty denounced the act as illegal under international law, arguing that it ignores the UN Charter and sets a dangerous precedent for regional security. He urged the international community to break its silence regarding unilateral measures that threaten to redraw continental borders outside of legal frameworks.
Cairo’s firm stance underscores its strategic interest in the region, particularly the direct link between Somali stability and the security of the Red Sea. Egypt has reaffirmed its “unwavering” support for the federal government in Mogadishu and highlighted its leading role in the African Union Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). To consolidate international opposition, Egypt recently spearheaded a transregional declaration co-signed by 23 states and two international organizations condemning the recognition.
Furthermore, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry warned against any attempts to link this regional shift to broader geopolitical plans, specifically dismissing any potential connection to the forced displacement of the Palestinian people as “unacceptable.” As tensions rise, Egypt has pledged to continue using its StREAM initiative for Red Sea security to advocate for a stable and unified Horn of Africa.
MK/AK/Sf/fss/abj/APA