Hargeisa (Kaab TV) – Somaliland has strongly condemned remarks made yesterday by Recep Tayyip Erdogan, in which he opposed the recognition of Somaliland. The government described his comments as unacceptable interference aimed at undermining its relations with regional and international partners.

In a press statement issued by the Somaliland government, it was emphasized that foreign policy decisions in the Horn of Africa should be determined by the governments and peoples of the region. The statement stressed that external rivalries must not be imported into the region in ways that weaken stability and cooperation.

“The Republic of Somaliland strongly condemns the recent remarks made by the President of the Republic of Turkey, which it views as unacceptable interference intended to disrupt Somaliland’s relations with its partners and regional countries.”

Somaliland’s response followed comments made by the Turkish President in Addis Ababa, where he stated that the recognition granted to Somaliland by Israel would not benefit either Somaliland or the Horn of Africa as a whole.

Erdogan made the remarks during a joint press conference with Ethiopia’s Prime Minister, Abiy Ahmed. He argued that countries in the region should resolve their own challenges and that the Horn of Africa should not become “an arena for competition among foreign powers.”

He further stated that Turkey prioritizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of regional states and does not wish to see additional conflicts or instability added to a region already facing security challenges.

For its part, Somaliland reaffirmed that its relations with foreign countries and international organizations are peaceful, lawful, and reflective of the democratic will of its people. It called on Turkey to respect the principles of mutual respect, non-interference, and Somaliland’s right to determine its own political and diplomatic future.

“Somaliland has the right to engage independently with any party it deems in its national interest, based on its sovereignty and the will of its people,” the statement concluded.