![Abukar Dahir Osman, Somalia's representative to the United Nations, speaks during a Security Council meeting at UN headquarters in New York City on Monday [Kena Betancur/EPA]](https://en.kaabtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/UN-Somalia-Representatives.png)
New York (Kaab TV) – Most members of the United Nations Security Council have criticized Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, warning during an emergency meeting that the move could destabilize Somalia and have wider regional repercussions, including for Palestinians in Gaza.
The meeting, held Monday in New York, was called after Israel became the first country to formally recognize Somaliland, a self-declared state that Somalia considers part of its sovereign territory.
Fourteen of the 15 Council members opposed the decision. The United States was the only member that did not condemn Israel, though it emphasized that its own policy on Somaliland remains unchanged.
Somalia’s ambassador to the UN, Abukar Dahir Osman, urged the Council to reject what he called an “act of aggression,” warning that the recognition threatens Somalia’s unity and could undermine stability in the Horn of Africa and the Red Sea region. He also raised concerns that the move might be connected to proposals to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to northern Somalia.
“This utter disdain for law and morality must be stopped now,” Osman said.
The United States acknowledged Israel’s right to establish diplomatic relations but stressed that Washington has not altered its stance.
“There is no announcement to make regarding U.S. recognition of Somaliland,” said U.S. Deputy Ambassador Tammy Bruce, noting that American policy remains unchanged.
Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, defended the decision, insisting it was not meant as a hostile act toward Somalia. He said recognition should be seen as an opportunity and does not preclude future dialogue between Somalia and Somaliland.
Several countries expressed concern about the broader implications of Israel’s move. Speaking for the Arab League, UN envoy Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz opposed any actions arising from the recognition that could facilitate forced displacement of Palestinians or the use of northern Somali ports for military purposes.
Pakistan’s Deputy Ambassador Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon described Israel’s recognition as “deeply troubling,” particularly given past references to Somaliland as a potential destination for displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
Permanent Security Council members China and the United Kingdom also opposed the move. China’s UN envoy, Sun Lei, said Beijing strongly opposes actions that could divide Somalia’s territory, warning against supporting separatist movements for geopolitical gain.
Non-Council members, including South Africa, were invited to speak as well. South Africa’s UN Ambassador Mathu Joyini reaffirmed her country’s support for Somalia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, citing international law, the UN Charter, and the African Union’s founding principles.