NEW YORK, 30 December 2025 – Most members of the United Nations Security Council have criticized Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland, warning that the move could destabilize Somalia and have broader regional consequences, including potential impacts on Palestinians in Gaza.
The emergency meeting, held Monday in New York, was convened following Israel’s formal recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared state that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory. Fourteen of the Council’s fifteen members opposed the move, with the United States being the only member that refrained from direct condemnation, emphasizing that its policy on Somaliland remains unchanged.
Somalia’s ambassador to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, described the recognition as an “act of aggression,” cautioning that it threatens Somalia’s unity and could undermine stability across the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He also raised concerns over reports linking the move to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to northern Somalia. “This utter disdain for law and morality must be stopped now,” Osman said.
The United States acknowledged Israel’s right to establish diplomatic relations but reiterated that Washington’s stance on Somaliland has not shifted. “There is no announcement to make regarding U.S. recognition of Somaliland,” said U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce.
Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, defended the decision, insisting it was not intended as a hostile act toward Somalia. He suggested the recognition could open opportunities for dialogue and does not preclude future negotiations between Somalia and Somaliland.
Several countries highlighted the wider implications of Israel’s move. Representing the Arab League, UN envoy Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz rejected any actions 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 the recognition as “deeply troubling,” noting past references to Somaliland as a potential relocation site for displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Permanent Security Council members China and the United Kingdom also opposed the move. China’s envoy Sun Lei emphasized that no country should support separatist movements for geopolitical gain, reaffirming Beijing’s opposition to actions that would divide Somalia’s territory.
Non-Council members, including South Africa, also addressed the meeting. South Africa’s UN Ambassador Mathu Joyini reiterated her country’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s principles.
The Security Council’s strong response underscores the international community’s support for Somalia’s unity and signals the high stakes of recognizing breakaway regions without central government consent.
