Nigeria rejects Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign state

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rejected Israel’s decision to recognize the breakaway region of Somaliland as a sovereign state. In a statement released on Saturday, December 27, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the move as a threat to the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia and a violation of international law.
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Spokesperson Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa emphasized that Nigeria remains committed to the United Nations Charter and the African Union (AU) principles, which prioritize the sanctity of colonial-era borders and the unity of member states.
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Other concerned nations argue that recognizing a secessionist entity sets a bad example for other African nations facing internal independence movements.
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Meanwhile, the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the recognition is a continuation of the Abraham Accords, which aims to build a strategic partnership in the Red Sea.
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Israel seeks cooperation in agriculture, health, and security technology with Hargeisa, Somaliland’s capital.
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‎Somaliland’s President, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, hailed it as a historic moment, stating that a  34-year wait for a single sovereign “yes” has finally ended.
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Somaliland has operated as a de facto independent state since 1991, maintaining its own currency, passport, and democratic system. However, the international community has ignored its claims to avoid destabilizing the fragile central government in Mogadishu.
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‎Israel becomes the first country to recognize Somaliland. Meanwhile, Nigeria, AU, and Arab nations issue  warnings to Tel Aviv against the decision, with fears that this could lead to the fragmentation of other African states.
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