Tuesday December 30, 2025
Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia's representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York City on Monday [Kena Betancur/EPA]
New York (HOL) - Most members of the United Nations Security Council have criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, warning during an emergency meeting that the move could destabilize Somalia and have wider regional consequences, including for Palestinians in Gaza.
The meeting, held Monday in New York, was convened after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared state that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.
Somalia’s ambassador to the United Nations, Abukar Dahir Osman, urged the Council to reject what he described as an “act of aggression,” warning that the recognition threatens Somalia’s unity and could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He also raised concerns that the move could be linked to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to northern Somalia.
“This utter disdain for law and morality must be stopped now,” he said.
The United States acknowledged Israel’s right to establish diplomatic relations but emphasized that Washington has not altered its position.
“There is no announcement to make regarding U.S. recognition of Somaliland,” said U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce, adding that American policy remains unchanged.
Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, defended the decision, saying it was not intended as a hostile act toward Somalia. He argued that recognition should be viewed as an opportunity and does not rule out future dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland.
Several countries expressed concern about the broader implications of Israel’s move. Speaking on behalf of the Arab League, UN envoy Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz rejected any actions stemming from the recognition that could facilitate the forced displacement of Palestinians or the use of northern Somali ports for military purposes.
Pakistan’s Deputy Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon described Israel’s recognition as “deeply troubling,” particularly in light of past references to Somaliland as a potential destination for displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Permanent Security Council members China and the United Kingdom also opposed the move. China’s UN envoy, Sun Lei, said Beijing firmly opposes any actions that would divide Somalia’s territory, warning that no country should support separatist movements to advance geopolitical interests.
Non-Council members, including South Africa, were also invited to address the meeting. South Africa’s UN Ambassador Mathu Joyini reaffirmed her country’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s founding principles.