The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency meeting on December 30, 2025, in response to Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland, a self-declared independent region that broke away from Somalia in 1991. Fourteen of the fifteen member states, alongside Somalia’s permanent representative, Abukar Dahir Osman, condemned the recognition, labeling it an “act of aggression.” The meeting was called shortly after Israel’s announcement, which has sparked significant controversy given that Somaliland is not recognized by any other nation.
Somalia continues to assert that Somaliland is part of its territory, while leaders in Somaliland argue that they are a successor state to the former British protectorate. The recognition from Israel occurred after discussions between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Somaliland leaders about potential economic agreements and military cooperation. Reports indicate that Israel’s interest in Somaliland may also be linked to strategic military positioning in the Horn of Africa.
Israeli Deputy Permanent Representative Jonathan Miller defended his country’s decision at the Security Council, citing historical conflicts in the region. He stated, “Entire cities were destroyed. Civilians were deliberately targeted. These crimes are now widely recognized as a genocide.” He referenced a letter from Israel’s former acting permanent representative warning of significant human rights violations in Somalia, emphasizing the need for context in the current discussions.
Osman countered Miller’s remarks, describing them as deeply offensive given the ongoing violence in Gaza, where over 71,000 Palestinians have reportedly died due to Israeli military actions. “To come to this place, and lecture us on humanity and genocide and human rights and independence and democracy… it’s just an insult,” Osman asserted. He also raised concerns that Israel’s recognition could destabilize Somalia and the wider region, suggesting it might lead to the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland.
The meeting saw strong reactions from various representatives. Maged Abdelfattah Abdelaziz, the UN envoy for the Arab League, emphasized that any actions stemming from Israel’s recognition would be rejected, particularly those that could lead to the forced displacement of Palestinians. Pakistan’s deputy UN ambassador, Muhammad Usman Iqbal Jadoon, expressed that the potential deportation of Palestinians to Somaliland was “deeply troubling.”
Only the United States, represented by newly sworn-in Deputy US Representative to the UN Tammy Bruce, offered support for Israel’s stance. Bruce stated, “Israel has the same right to conduct diplomatic relations as any other sovereign state,” while highlighting that US policy regarding the region remains unchanged.
The discussions at the Security Council reflect a broader international debate about recognition and statehood, particularly in relation to Israel and Palestine. Slovenia’s UN ambassador, Samuel Zbogar, pointed out the significant differences between the recognition of Palestine and Somaliland, arguing that Palestine is recognized as an illegally occupied territory, while Somaliland is part of a UN member state.
In the wake of the UN meeting, protests erupted across Somalia, including in the capital, Mogadishu, where demonstrators called for national unity in the face of the recognition. The situation remains fluid, and the international community continues to watch closely as the implications of Israel’s recognition unfold.
