ANKARA – Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Friday strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of Somaliland, calling it a “grave misfortune” and accusing Israel of pursuing narrow interests aimed at extending Middle East conflicts into the Horn of Africa.
“I see Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as the greatest disaster that could befall Somaliland,” Fidan said. “This could become a major tragedy for a Muslim society or a Muslim political entity. No one recognises it, except Israel,” he added.
Fidan alleged that Israel has specific strategic interests in Somaliland and wants to use the territory to shift regional tensions, particularly those linked to Middle East conflicts, into the Horn of Africa.
He also said Somaliland still had an opportunity to reconsider its engagement with Israel, noting that much of the international community has turned against Israel following decisions announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Somaliland is not recognised by anyone other than Israel, which itself has particular interests and wants to use the situation for regional political aims,” Fidan said.
The Turkish minister’s remarks come as Ankara positions itself at the forefront of countries opposing what it describes as Israeli violations of Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, after Netanyahu announced Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state separate from the Federal Republic of Somalia.
