ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Iraq on Saturday joined several regional countries in condemning Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, describing the move as a “blatant violation” of international law, the United Nations Charter, and an “illegitimate” act.
In a statement, Iraq’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision “constitutes a clear violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the sisterly Republic of Somalia and undermines efforts to maintain security and stability in the region.”
The ministry urged the international community, as well as regional and international organizations, to “assume their legal and moral responsibilities and take a clear stance against these illegal practices.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that Tel Aviv has officially recognized the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state.
“I announced today the official recognition of the Republic of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state,” Netanyahu wrote on X.
Netanyahu added that Israel plans to expand cooperation with Somaliland across multiple sectors, including agriculture, health, technology, and the economy.
Turkey and Egypt have already issued strong condemnations of Israel’s recognition of Somaliland.
Somaliland declared independence from Somalia on May 18, 1991, after 31 years as part of the country and following decades of conflict and repression under Somalia’s central government.
Despite maintaining relative stability and functioning state institutions - including an elected president and parliament - Somaliland is not formally recognized by the United Nations or any UN member state.
However, it maintains informal relations with several countries, particularly Ethiopia, Djibouti, and the United Arab Emirates.
Somaliland’s economy, in this predominantly Muslim territory, largely depends on livestock exports.