Large crowds of Somalis protest Israeli recognition of Somaliland, chant anti-Israel slogans

21 Muslim countries and the EU protested Israel’s decision to be the sole nation to recognize Somaliland as an independent state.

By Vered Weiss, World Israel News

Masses of people demonstrated in towns across Somalia over the weekend after Israel announced it now regards Somaliland as an independent state, drawing sharp criticism from political and religious figures.

In Mogadishu, thousands of demonstrators poured into the streets before converging at a stadium, carrying Somali and Palestinian flags and holding signs condemning Israel’s decision. Chants and speeches focused on Somalia’s territorial integrity and opposition to any foreign recognition of Somaliland, the self-declared republic in the country’s northwest.

“We will never allow anyone to violate our sovereignty,” protester Adan Muhidin told AFP during the Mogadishu rally, calling Israel’s recognition of Somaliland “a blatant violation of international law.”

Israel said Friday that it considers Somaliland an “independent and sovereign state.” The territory broke away from Somalia in 1991 following the collapse of the central government but has not been formally recognized by any other country. Somalia’s federal authorities continue to view Somaliland as an integral part of the state.

A total of 21 Muslim countries and the European Union protested Israel’s decision to be the sole nation to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, and the UN Security Council held a meeting on Monday to discuss the issue, not least because a Somali diplomat is soon to assume the presidency of the council.

“There is nothing we have in common with Israel. We say to the people of Somaliland, don’t bring them close to you,” Sheikh Ahmed Moalim said at one of the gatherings.

While Somalia remains deeply divided and plagued by instability, Somaliland has for more than three decades maintained its own governing institutions, including a separate currency, passport system, and security forces. The territory has held multiple elections and is often cited by regional observers as a rare example of relative stability and democratic practice in the Horn of Africa.