Somalia’s UN envoy says Israel’s recognition of Somaliland aims to relocate Palestinians

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations has claimed that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state is intended to facilitate the relocation of Palestinians to the region and divert international attention from Israel’s actions in Gaza.

Speaking to Rudaw, Somalia’s UN Ambassador Abu Bakr Dahir Osman said Israel’s move was politically motivated.

"I think the occupying force are using this to see if they can move those Palestinians to that land and also to destruct the international community from focusing on what I called the genocide, "in Gaza, Osman said.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, following decades of conflict and repression under Somalia’s former central government. Despite operating with relative stability and maintaining functioning state institutions - including an elected president and parliament - Somaliland has not been formally recognized by the United Nations or any UN member state.

The territory’s economy, in this predominantly Muslim region, relies heavily on livestock exports.

Osman reiterated Somalia’s position that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the country.

“Somalis are one people - one ethnic group, one religion, one language, and one culture,” he said. “If you look at the history, Somalia was always a Sultanate that stands by itself.”

The ambassador further argued that Somaliland’s secession has been supported by external actors seeking to divide Somalia.

On December 26, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel had officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.

Writing on X, Netanyahu said Israel would seek to expand cooperation with Somaliland in areas including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.

While Somaliland maintains informal relations with several countries - notably Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the United Arab Emirates - it remains unrecognized by the international community.

Israel’s recognition of Somaliland has drawn criticism from most members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). At an emergency meeting convened in New York on Monday, several member states warned that the decision could have serious implications, including for Palestinians in Gaza.

The United States was the only member of the 15-member UNSC not to condemn Israel’s move.

Namo Abdulla contributed to this article from New York.