Somali parliament rejects Israel's recognition of Somaliland

Somalia’s Federal Parliament has adopted a resolution declaring any purported recognition of Somaliland by Israel or any other state unlawful, null and void, and without legal effect under international law.

The decision was taken during a joint sitting of both Houses of Parliament at Villa Hargeysa, in Mogadishu.

The session was led by Speaker of the House of the People Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe,“, and Deputy Speaker of the Upper House, Senator Ali Shacbaan Ibrahim.

In his remarks while opening the session, Speaker Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur said it was “deeply regrettable” that Israel had, in Parliament’s view, violated Somalia’s territorial sovereignty, unity, and national cohesion. He described such actions as unacceptable and called on Somalis at home and abroad to remain united in defence of the country and its people.

International law violation

According to a parliamentary communiqué seen by TRT Afrika, lawmakers reaffirmed Somalia’s sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, stressing that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The resolution states that any recognition claimed by Israel or another country would contravene international law, including the United Nations Charter and the principles of regional and international organisations to which Somalia belongs.

Following debate, members of both Houses voted overwhelmingly in favour of the resolution with 168 lawmakers supporting the measure, two voting against it, with no abstention.

The resolution further instructs the Federal Government of Somalia to formally communicate Parliament’s position to international and regional bodies, including the United Nations, the African Union, the League of Arab States, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, IGAD, and the East African Community.

Territorial integrity

It also warns that any individual or entity that acts in violation of the resolution could face legal consequences under Somali law and relevant international legal frameworks.

The joint sitting state that the vote underscored Somalia’s firm stance on issues of territorial integrity, as the government seeks to rally international support for its position and reinforce its claim that questions of recognition must be resolved strictly in accordance with international law.

Photo: Speaker of the Somali House of the People Sheikh Aden Mohamed Nur “Madobe,“. Photo, HoP Somalia.