Egyptian Flag. Photo: Egypt's State Information Service
In a statement, the foreign ministry said Israel’s decision undermines the principles of the United Nations (UN) Charter and risks destabilizing an already fragile region. Cairo reaffirmed its full support for Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity, rejecting any attempt to recognize secessionist entities through illegal or illegitimate means.
The ministry said Egypt opposes unilateral actions that infringe on state sovereignty or undermine international legal norms, stressing that Somalia’s territorial integrity must be preserved.
Israel announced on Friday that it had formally recognized Somaliland—the self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991—and agreed to establish full diplomatic relations. Israel said the move falls within the broader framework of the Abraham Accords, making it the first country to recognise Somaliland since it declared independence more than three decades ago.
The decision drew swift regional and international criticism.
Somalia’s government described the move as a “deliberate attack” on its sovereignty and warned it could undermine regional peace. The African Union (AU) said Israel’s recognition risks “setting a dangerous precedent with far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent.”
Egyptian officials said the foreign ministers of Egypt, Somalia, Türkiye, and Djibouti discussed the issue by phone, jointly condemning Israel’s move and warning that it violates international law and threatens stability in the Horn of Africa.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government, but it has never been recognized by the United Nations or the African Union. Mogadishu continues to regard the region as part of its sovereign territory, a position supported by the AU and most African states, which have long opposed steps that could encourage separatist movements elsewhere on the continent.
Egypt has consistently backed Somalia’s territorial integrity and rejected any actions it says could threaten the country’s sovereignty or security.
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