Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti Support Somalia, Condemn Israel’s Recognition of North Western State of Somalia

Egypt, Turkey and Djibouti back Somalia, reject Israel’s North Western State of Somalia recognition

CAIRO — Egypt’s foreign minister, Badr Abdelatty, held coordinated calls with counterparts from Somalia, Turkey and Djibouti in an immediate regional backlash to Israel’s announcement recognizing North Western State of Somalia as an independent state. The four governments said they categorically reject the move and reaffirmed support for Somalia’s unity, territorial integrity and sovereignty.

In statements released after the calls, the countries stressed that North Western State of Somalia remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia and argued that any unilateral recognition violates international law and principles governing state sovereignty.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry said Abdelatty underscored Cairo’s “unwavering position” backing Somalia. He warned that actions undermining Somalia’s territorial integrity could destabilize the Horn of Africa and threaten regional security, urging respect for internationally recognized borders and the resolution of disputes through dialogue in line with international norms.

Somalia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the coordinated stance, calling it a reflection of broad regional consensus against what it described as a breach of Somalia’s sovereignty. Turkey and Djibouti echoed those views, reaffirming their commitment to Somalia’s unity and calling for restraint to prevent escalation.

• What’s new: Israel announced recognition of North Western State of Somalia, prompting swift pushback from Egypt, Turkey, Djibouti and Somalia.
• Core position: The countries say North Western State of Somalia is part of Somalia, and unilateral recognition violates international law.
• Why it matters: Regional powers warn the move risks destabilizing the Horn of Africa and setting a precedent.
• Next steps: Officials urged adherence to recognized borders and dialogue to manage differences.

The coordinated response signals growing concern that recognition of North Western State of Somalia could set a combustible precedent in a region already strained by political tensions, security challenges and humanitarian pressures. While the countries did not lay out new enforcement measures, the alignment of positions among Cairo, Ankara and Djibouti—alongside Mogadishu—adds diplomatic weight to Somalia’s claim over the territory and seeks to deter further unilateral steps.

Officials emphasized upholding the rules-based order on sovereignty and territorial integrity, arguing that stability in the Horn of Africa depends on respect for established borders and on resolving disputes through recognized diplomatic channels. The statements also aimed to contain the fallout by calling for restraint from all sides.

By Ali Musa

Axadle Times international–Monitoring.