• Israel becomes the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state.
• Somalia and multiple nations condemn the recognition as a violation of international law.
• The African Union reaffirms support for Somalia's territorial integrity.
• Arab and Islamic countries voice strong opposition to Israel's move.
• Global implications of this recognition raise concerns about stability in the Horn of Africa.

Israel's recent decision to formally recognize Somaliland as an independent state has triggered a significant diplomatic backlash across Africa and the Middle East. The announcement, made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, marks an unprecedented act of recognition since Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991. The Somali government has labeled this recognition a "deliberate attack" on its sovereignty, emphasizing that Somaliland is an integral part of Somalia, according to India Times, Anadolu Agency, and Al Jazeera.

The African Union (AU), along with several Arab and Islamic countries, condemned Israel’s recognition, stating it contradicts international law and threatens regional stability. AU Chair Mahmoud Ali Youssouf reaffirmed the commitment to Somalia's territorial integrity, warning that any recognition of Somaliland risks setting a dangerous precedent for secessionist movements across Africa. This sentiment was echoed by the Arab League, emphasizing that unilateral actions like Israel's violate fundamental principles of state sovereignty, according to Anadolu Agency, Los Angeles Times, and Anadolu Agency.

In response to Israel's recognition, the Somali government has demanded that Israel withdraw its declaration, condemning it as an act of "state aggression." Somali officials assert that Israel's intervention constitutes a breach of Somalia's internal affairs and sovereignty. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud stated that this action would not be tolerated and highlighted the need for Somalia’s unity, as reported by Anadolu Agency and The Hill.

Many countries have joined in the condemnation, with Turkey, Egypt, and Gulf states voicing strong opposition to Israel’s unilateral approach. They warn that such measures undermine peace and exacerbate political tensions in the Horn of Africa. The foreign ministries of Saudi Arabia and Qatar denounced the recognition, with Qatar specifically stating that it undermines Somalia's unity and sovereignty, according to Anadolu Agency and Middle East Eye.

The European Union has also reiterated its support for Somalia's sovereignty and called for meaningful dialogue to resolve the longstanding issues between the Somali government and Somaliland. It observed that respecting Somalia's territorial integrity is essential for maintaining stability in the Horn of Africa, as noted by Anadolu Agency.