MOGADISHU (Somaliguardian) – Somalia won broad backing from the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for its sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity during an emergency session on Monday, as most members voiced opposition to Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Speaking at the session, Somalia’s UN ambassador, Abukar Osman, described Israel’s move as a blatant violation of the country’s unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity and a threat to regional security.
He stressed that Somalia, along with other African members of the UNSC, will not accept the relocation of the Palestinian population from Gaza into northern Somalia’s Somaliland region, describing such a plan as “not only unlawful but also morally reprehensible.”
Ambassador Osman reiterated that Somaliland is part of Somalia and has no right to negotiate with other countries, establish relations, or seek recognition. He noted that Somaliland has historically encompassed two regions in northwestern and northeastern Somalia, the latter currently under the federal government’s control.
Responding to Israel’s allegations that Somalia committed genocide, he said: “if we want to talk about genocide it is Israel that is committing on our own eyes,” highlighting that Israel has killed more than 75,000 Palestinians in Gaza and continues to perpetrate killings, starvation, mass displacement, and other human rights abuses, including terrorizing civilians.
Pakistan’s Deputy UN Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon also condemned Israel’s actions, saying: “Against the backdrop of Israel’s previous references to Somaliland of the Federal Republic of Somalia as a destination for the deportation of Palestinian people, especially from Gaza, its unlawful recognition of Somaliland region of Somalia is deeply troubling.”
Israel’s Deputy UN Ambassador Jonathan Miller countered: “It is not a hostile step towards Somalia, nor does it preclude future dialogue between the parties. Recognition is not an act of defiance. It is an opportunity.”
In September, several Western states, including France, Britain, Canada, and Australia, announced they would recognise a Palestinian state, joining more than three-quarters of the 193 UN members who already do so.
Deputy US Ambassador to the UN Tammy Bruce criticised the council, saying: “This council’s persistent double standards and misdirection of focus distract from its mission of maintaining international peace and security.”
Slovenia’s UN Ambassador Samuel Zbogar rejected her argument, stating: “Palestine is not part of any state. It is illegally occupied territory … Palestine is also an observer state in this organisation.”
He added: “Somaliland, on the other hand, is a part of a UN member state and recognising it goes against … the UN Charter.”
During the session, UK, Denmark, Greece, China, Egypt, Russia, Pakistan, Djibouti, Turkey, Slovenia, and South Africa expressed support for Somalia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and unity, opposing Israel’s recognition of Somaliland. The United States, however, maintained that Israel had the right to recognise Somaliland, while reiterating its position on a united Somalia remained unchanged.
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