Türkiye has strongly criticized Israel’s announcement recognizing the independence of Somalia’s Somaliland region, warning that the move constitutes an unlawful intervention in Somalia’s internal affairs and risks further destabilizing the Horn of Africa.

In a written statement issued on behalf of the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Öncü Keçeli described Israel’s decision as “yet another example of the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability at both the regional and global levels.”

Keçeli emphasized that Israel’s step comes at a time when it continues to pursue expansionist policies and actively works to block the international recognition of the State of Palestine. Against this backdrop, he said, the recognition of Somaliland amounts to an explicit and unacceptable interference in the domestic affairs of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

“Decisions regarding the future of the Federal Republic of Somalia and the Somaliland region must be taken in a manner that reflects the will of all Somalis,” Keçeli stated, underlining that any determination of political status should emerge through inclusive dialogue and legitimate processes rather than unilateral external actions.

Somaliland, a self-declared entity in northern Somalia, has sought international recognition since 1991, but it remains unrecognized by the United Nations and the vast majority of the international community, which continues to view it as an integral part of Somalia’s sovereign territory.

Reaffirming Ankara’s long-standing position, Keçeli stressed that Türkiye attaches great importance to peace, stability, and security in the Horn of Africa. He reiterated Türkiye’s firm support for Somalia’s territorial integrity and unity, noting that Ankara will continue to stand by the Somali people.

Türkiye has been a key diplomatic and humanitarian partner of Somalia for more than a decade, playing an active role in mediation, development assistance, security cooperation, and state-building efforts aimed at strengthening Somalia’s unity and regional stability. (ILKHA)