Not surprising
Erdogan Slams Israel's Recognition of Somaliland as 'Illegitimate and Unacceptable'
Just a day after Trump publically declared that Erdogan was behind Assad's downfall, here he is again, bashing Israel. Will he ever give it a break?
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan sharply criticized Israel's unprecedented decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state, calling the move "illegitimate and unacceptable" during a press conference in Istanbul on Tuesday.
The announcement comes amid heightened tensions in the Horn of Africa, where Somaliland, a self-declared republic that broke away from Somalia in 1991, has sought international recognition for decades without success until now. Israel became the first and only country to formally recognize Somaliland's sovereignty last week, a move that has sparked widespread condemnation and protests across Somalia.
Erdogan warned that the recognition could destabilize the volatile region, echoing concerns from regional blocs and other nations."Israel's decision to recognize Somaliland is illegitimate and unacceptable," Erdogan stated, emphasizing Turkey's support for Somalia's territorial integrity.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry had earlier denounced the action as a "breach of international law," aligning with Somalia's government, which views Somaliland as part of its sovereign territory.
Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud arrived in Turkey for urgent talks following the Israeli announcement, highlighting the deepening alliance between Ankara and Mogadishu amid ongoing regional rivalries.
Protests have erupted in Somali cities like Mogadishu, with demonstrators rallying against what they see as foreign interference in their country's unity.
International reactions have been swift, with condemnations pouring in from capitals across the Arab world and beyond, viewing Israel's move as a potential catalyst for further instability in the Horn of Africa.
This development adds another layer to the strained Turkey-Israel relations, already frayed over issues like the Gaza conflict and broader Middle East dynamics. Somaliland, home to about 6 million people and strategically located along the Gulf of Aden, has maintained de facto independence but lacks broad diplomatic recognition, with most countries adhering to Somalia's claims. Israel's step could open doors for Somaliland's aspirations but risks escalating tensions in a region plagued by piracy, terrorism, and territorial disputes.