International Refusal of the Israeli Admission with Somaliland

International Refusal of the Israeli Admission with Somaliland

London, UK – 27 December 2025

International Refusal of the Israeli Admission with Somaliland:

In a sweeping wave of diplomatic backlash, a coalition of 21 nations led by Egypt has formally declared a total rejection of Israel’s unilateral recognition of the breakaway region of Somaliland. 

The joint statement, issued Saturday, describes the move as a flagrant violation of international law and a direct assault on the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Somalia. 

This coordinated international refusal highlights the growing fear that such a precedent will destabilize the Horn of Africa and the vital maritime corridors of the Red Sea.

Headline Points:

 • Global Condemnation: 

Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and 18 other nations sign a joint declaration rejecting the Israeli-Somaliland deal.

 • Sovereignty Violation: 

The coalition asserts the move violates the UN Charter regarding the territorial integrity of sovereign states.

 • Ethiopian Ambitions: 

Critics warn the deal paves the way for Ethiopia to secure a controversial military base and port on the Red Sea.

 • Maritime Security: 

Concerns rise over the militarization of the Bab el-Mandeb strait and the impact on global trade routes.

 • Red Sea Stability: 

Egypt warns of a “silent diplomatic war” aimed at pressuring Cairo through regional encirclement.

Egypt Leads the Charge Against “Illegal Precedent”

The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a stinging rebuke of the Israeli decision, characterizing it as a “dangerous precedent” that threatens the very fabric of international relations. 

Cairo’s position is clear: 

the recognition of a separatist entity without the consent of the central government in Mogadishu is an unlawful act that invites chaos. 

Egyptian officials emphasized that this move is not merely a diplomatic gesture but a strategic maneuver designed to bypass established regional security frameworks.

By spearheading this international refusal, Egypt is signaling that it will not tolerate the fragmentation of Somalia, an Arab League member with whom Cairo shares deep historical and security ties. 

The Egyptian government has already moved to activate joint defense protocols with Somalia, reinforcing its commitment to protecting the unity of the Somali state against external interference.

Serving Ethiopian Greed: The Race for the Red Sea

At the heart of this geopolitical firestorm is the “greedy” ambition of Ethiopia to gain a permanent foothold on the Red Sea. For decades, landlocked Ethiopia has sought a sovereign port and a military base to project power and secure its economic future. 

Analysts argue that Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is the “missing piece” that validates Ethiopia’s controversial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the region, which offers recognition in exchange for sea access.

This alignment creates a tripartite axis between Israel, Ethiopia, and Somaliland that directly threatens Egyptian interests. 

For Ethiopia, the port of Berbera becomes a gateway to regional dominance, allowing it to bypass Djibouti and establish a naval presence that could challenge the balance of power in the Bab el-Mandeb. 

This “port-for-recognition” scheme is viewed by Cairo and Mogadishu as a direct provocation and a violation of the African Union’s principle of respecting colonial-era borders.

The Dangers to Red Sea Security and Global Trade

The decision to recognize Somaliland carries severe risks for international maritime security. 

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most sensitive trade arteries, already under pressure from regional conflicts. By introducing a new, unrecognized military presence on the coast, the deal risks turning the Horn of Africa into a theater for proxy wars.

Moreover, the international community is wary of the “expansionist” undertones of the deal. 

The joint statement from the 21 nations explicitly rejected any link between the Somaliland recognition and rumored plans for the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. The fear is that Israel is attempting to “buy” regional influence to solve its own domestic crises at the expense of African stability.

A Threat to International Law

The international refusal is grounded in the belief that the UN Charter must be the only guide for journalism and diplomacy alike. 

Allowing a state to unilaterally recognize a breakaway province sets a “secessionist” fire that could spread across the continent. From Turkey to Nigeria, the consensus is that the world cannot afford to ignore the legal ramifications of such a move.