The Emir of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al ThaniThe Emir of Qatar has assured Somalia President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Doha’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity following a diplomatic uproar sparked by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
In a statement on Saturday, the President’s Office said Hassan Sheikh spoke by phone with the Emir of the State of Qatar, Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who personally conveyed the assurance.
“The two leaders reviewed bilateral and regional relations of mutual interest, exploring opportunities to further develop close cooperation between the two countries. The Emir affirmed Qatar’s support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of Somalia,” the statement said.
On Friday, Israel became the first United Nations member state to recognise Somaliland as a sovereign state, in a declaration announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The move followed the signing of a mutual agreement under the Abraham Accords framework, establishing full diplomatic relations, including the opening of embassies and the appointment of ambassadors.
Prime Minister Netanyahu personally conveyed the decision to Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdilahi during a video call.
“Mr President, nice to speak to you. I want you to know that I’m signing now, as we speak, Israel’s official recognition of Somaliland and its right to self-determination,” Netanyahu said.
“Our friendship is seminal and historic, so I’m very, very happy and I’m very proud of this day. I want to wish you and the people of Somaliland the very, very best. I think this would be a great opportunity for expanding our partnership,” he added.
Until Israel’s recognition, Somaliland had remained unrecognised internationally since it declared independence from Somalia in 1991.
The region operates as a de facto state, with its own government, currency, security forces and regular elections, and exercises control over the north-western part of Somalia.
However, the Federal Government of Somalia continues to consider Somaliland part of its sovereign territory.
Israel’s decision has drawn criticism from regional and continental bodies.
The African Union said the move could have “far-reaching implications for peace and stability across the continent”.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) also condemned the recognition, with its secretariat reaffirming that the Federal Republic of Somalia remains a sovereign IGAD member state whose unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity are fully recognised under international law.
“Any unilateral recognition runs contrary to the Charter of the United Nations, the Constitutive Act of the African Union, and the Agreement establishing IGAD,” the bloc said.
IGAD called on international partners and stakeholders to uphold international law and to support dialogue and processes that strengthen peace, stability and cooperation in the region.
The regional bloc further reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive political processes and regional cooperation in support of lasting peace, stability and prosperity for Somalia and the wider IGAD region.
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