The Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has condemned the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem, saying the move raises concerns over Somalia’s sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity.
In a statement on Thursday, the regional body said any action or initiative that undermines Somalia’s sovereignty risks increasing tensions and affecting regional peace, stability and cooperation.
The IGAD Secretariat said it remains committed to protecting the sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity and political independence of the Federal Republic of Somalia in line with the IGAD Treaty, the Constitutive Act of the African Union and the Charter of the United Nations.
“In this regard, IGAD has taken note of reports concerning the opening of a Somaliland embassy in Jerusalem and reiterates its longstanding position that Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity must be fully respected,” reads the statement.
The regional organisation said it was concerned over developments that could affect Somalia’s territorial integrity and called for restraint as tensions continue over Somaliland’s international engagements.
“The Secretariat expresses concern over any action or initiative that undermines the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and underscores that such actions risk heightening tensions and undermining regional peace, stability, and cooperation,” IGAD said.
The statement comes after Somaliland opened an embassy in Jerusalem, six months after Israel became the first country to recognise the breakaway territory as an independent nation.
The diplomatic mission was opened at a technology park in West Jerusalem while Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi was on an official visit to Israel.
During a meeting with the Somaliland leader, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of “a deep spiritual bond between our peoples”.
However, Somalia, which considers Somaliland part of its territory, criticised any engagement with the region’s administration.
Somalia described engagement with “the secessionist administration of the northern region of Somalia as a violation of its sovereignty”.
Israel’s decision to recognise Somaliland in December sparked criticism from several countries and organisations, including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the African Union. Since the recognition, Israel and Somaliland have continued strengthening their relations.
Earlier this year, Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar visited Somaliland’s capital, Hargeisa, in an official trip.
Somaliland’s decision to establish its diplomatic mission in Jerusalem instead of Tel Aviv, where most foreign embassies are located, also received praise from Netanyahu.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Middle East war and annexed the area in 1980, a move not recognised by most of the international community. Israel considers the entire city of Jerusalem its “eternal and undivided” capital, while Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their hoped-for future state.
Several countries, including the United Kingdom, have maintained their embassies in Tel Aviv since the United States moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 during President Donald Trump’s first term in office.
Guatemala, Honduras, Kosovo, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay and Fiji have also established embassies in Jerusalem.
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