The Arab League (AL) issued a forceful condemnation of Israel's formal recognition of Somaliland as an independent state during an emergency session chaired by the United Arab Emirates on Sunday, December 28, 2025. The move, described as a violation of Somalia's territorial integrity, has drawn widespread international criticism and raised concerns over escalating tensions in the Gulf of Aden and Red Sea regions.
In a statement released after the session, the AL rejected Israel's recognition as "null and void," emphasizing that Somaliland remains an inseparable part of Somalia. The bloc accused Israel of attempting to destabilize regional security and facilitate the "forced displacement" of Palestinians through the establishment of military bases in northern Somalia.
"This illegal recognition undermines international peace and directly threatens Arab national security," the statement read, urging member states to adopt legal, economic, and diplomatic countermeasures. It further characterized Israel's actions as a dangerous effort to redraw geopolitical boundaries in strategic maritime corridors critical to global trade.
The AL's condemnation aligns with broader international sentiment, as multiple nations and organizations reaffirmed support for Somalia's sovereignty this week. A United Nations Security Council emergency meeting on Monday, December 29, saw widespread rejection of Israel's decision, with diplomats warning it could exacerbate existing conflicts in the Horn of Africa.
Analysts suggest the recognition could complicate shipping security in the Red Sea, where Houthi rebel activities have already disrupted commercial routes. The AL statement specifically called for international intervention to prevent "threats to freedom of navigation and regional stability."
