Libya rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Libya has rejected Israel's recognition of Somaliland, the breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent nation, describing the move as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty.

Foreign Minister Taher Al-Baour expressed Libya’s solidarity with Somalia on Monday in a message to his Somali counterpart, Abdisalam Abdi.

He also called on the international community to shoulder its legal and moral responsibilities and to reject such illegitimate decisions that threaten security and stability.

Israel's announcement on Friday that it recognised Somaliland as a nation drew criticism from the African Union, the Arab League, the European Union and other who insist on Somalia's sovereignty.

Somaliland declared its independence from Somalia in 1991 and had fruitlessly sought global validation until Israel's announcement of official recognition.

Located in the Horn of Africa, the northern region of Somaliland is located across the Gulf of Aden from Yemen, making it strategically valuable.