The government of Somalia has warned against closer relations between its renegade territory of Somaliland and Israel, saying there could be dire consequences for this diplomatic choice.
Mogadishu expressed dismay over strengthening cooperation between Israel and its ”rightful territory” without the expressed involvment of the federal authorities.
The authorities continue to claim the territory as part of federal Somalia despite Somaliland declaring itself independent 35 years ago and was late last year recognised by Israel, the only country to do so.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Somali Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said the federal government is closely following the growing cooperation between Somaliland and Israel, warning it would take “firm measures” to safeguard the country’s unity and territorial integrity.
The ministry which described Somaliland as a “secessionist state of the federation” said any foreign engagement conducted without the approval of Mogadishu was illegal and had no international basis.
The ministry underscores that any political, diplomatic, or other engagement with the secessionist administration in Hargeisa that bypasses the federal government is inconsistent with international law and carries no legal or political standing.
The statement comes amid reports of growing ties between Somaliland and Israel, including agreements covering security and economic cooperation, which have sparked political tensions between Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Somalia has long rejected Somaliland’s unilateral declaration of independence in 1991, maintaining that the territory remains an integral part of the federation.
Somalia calls upon the United Nations, the African Union, the Arab League, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, IGAD, and all international partners to uphold international law, respect Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and condemn actions that undermine the unity and stability of the federation.
The federal government did not specify what “firm measures” it intends to take, but reiterated its commitment to preserving national unity and preventing what it called attempts to undermine Somalia’s territorial integrity.
It said Somalia remains a sovereign and internationally recognised state with the federal government as the sole legitimate authority empowered to represent the country in international relations.
MG/as/APA